When I Was A Fair Maid

When I was a fair maid about seventeen

I listed in the navy, for to serve the Queen

I listed in the navy, a sailor lad to stand

For to hear the cannons rattle and the music so grand

And the music so grand, and the music so grand

For to hear the cannons rattle and the music so grand

Well, the officer that listed me was a tall and handsome man

He said, "You'll make a sailor, so come along, my man"

My waist being tall and slender, my fingers long and thin

Oh the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them

I soon exceeded them, I soon exceeded them

Oh the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them

Well, they sent me to bed and they sent me to bunk

To lie with a sailor, I never was afraid

But taking off my blue coat, it oft times made me smile

For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while

And a maiden all the while, and a maiden all the while

For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while

Well, they sent me off to London for to guard the Tower

And I'm sure I might be there 'til my very dying hour

But a lady fell in love with me, I told her I was a maid

Oh she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed

My secret she betrayed, my secret she betrayed

Oh she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed

Well, the captain, he came up to me and he asked if this was so

Oh I dare not, I dare not, I dare not say no

"It's a pity we should lose you, such a sailor lad you made

It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid

A handsome young maid, a handsome young maid

It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid"

So it's fare thee well, captain, you've been so kind to me

And likewise, my shipmates, I'm sorry to part with thee

But if ever the navy needs a lad, a sailor I'll remain

I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again

And I'll run the rigging again, I'll run the rigging again

I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again