|
|
|
|
|
|
Farewell all my fellows, farewell, doodle-darry,
Farewell to you folk who do hear what I sing,
Farewell to you all, for no longer I'll tarry,
I'm down to the docks to sign up for my King.
[repeat after every verse]
A pretty young maid of but seventeen summers
Sat down by the mill-stream and started to sing,
"Turn away, all ye fellows, ye poets and mummers,
"For I've given my heart to a far higher thing."
She bound up her breast and she cut off her tresses,
She knotted a neckerchief over her heart,
She put on some breeches and burned both her dresses,
Then strained as she tutored herself how to fart.
She went to the docks with a vaudeville swagger,
And said to the Bosun, requesting a job,
"I'm swift with the sword and I'm deft with the dagger,
"I'll take any pay, and my name is ... um ... Bob."
As she saw the Bosun, she felt her heart fail her,
But looked in his eye like the best man in town,
He said, "well enough, we've some place for a sailor,
"But take my advice and don't ever bend down."
Then down from the hillsides ran comely young Jenny
Who said "O my Bob, I will ever be true,
"Though your travels be wide, your adventures be many,
"Yet I'll sit here and wait seven summers for you."
Said 'Bob', "gentle maid, I fear we'll never marry,
"For I do not have all the requisite things,
"And besides, I've decided, no longer I'll tarry,
"I've come to the docks for to fight for my King."
Said Jenny, "my Bob, though this parting upset you,
"For your love I'll do nothing for seven long years!"
Said 'Bob', "gentle maiden, I ne'er before met you,
"Go hence and dog some other tar with your tears."
Then 'Bob', she sailed forth and astounded her Bosun
With deeds that were daring and boldness withal,
And Jenny sat writing lamentable folk songs
Then married a printer and published them all.