Rambling Sailor

I am a sailor brisk and bold

Long time I've sailed the ocean,

I've travelled the country through and through

For honour and promotion.

Oh, me shipmates all, I bid you adieu

I may no longer go along with you

I'll travel the country through and through

And I'll be the rambling sailor.

And if you want to know my name

My name it is Young Johnson.

I've got a commission from the King

To court all girls as handsome

With my false heart and flattering tongue

I'll court them all both old and young

I'll court them all but I marry none

And I'll be the rambling sailor.

Well first I came to Portsmouth town

And there were lasses many

I boldy stepped unto a one

To court her for her money

I says, my dear, be of good cheer

I will not leave you, do not fear

I'll travel the country far and near

And I'll be the rambling sailor.

And then I came to Plymouth town

And there were lasses many

I boldy stepped unto a one

To court her for her beauty

I says, my dear, what do you choose

Here's ale and a wine and a rum punch too

Besides a pair of silks and shoes

If you'll travel with the rambling sailor.

And then I rose up with the dawn

Just as the day was peeping

On tiptoe down the stairs I went

And I left my love a-sleeping

And if she waits until I come

She may lie there till the day of the doom

I'll court some other girl in their room

And I'll be the rambling sailor.

(O!)