Seamen Bold

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You seamen bold that plough the ocean
know dangers landsmen never know,
The sun goes down with an equal motion
no tongue can tell what you undergo.
In dreadful storm, in dread of battle
there are no back doors to run away
While thund'ring cannon loudly rattle,
mark well what happened the other day.

A merchant ship a long time had sail-ed,
long time being captive out at sea.
The weather proved so unsettled
which brought them to extremity.
Nothing on board, poor souls, to cherish
nor could step one foot on freedom's shore,
Poor fellows they were almost starving,
there was nothing left but skin and bone.

Their cats and dogs how they did eat them
their hunger being so very severe,
Captain and men in one position,
Captain and men went equal share.
But still at last a hitch came on them,
a hitch came on them right speedily,
Captain and men stood in a totter
casting out lots to know who should die.

The lot it fell on one poor sailor
his family being so very great.
Those very words did he grieve sorrow
those very words did he regret,
I'm willing to die my brother mess-mates
if you to the top-mast will haste away,
And perhaps you might some sail discover
while I unto our dear Lord do pray.

Those very words did he grieve sorrow
those very words did he regret,
When a merchant ship there came a-sailing
there came a-sailing to their delight.
May God protect all jolly sailors
who boldly venture on the main
And keep them free from all such trials
never to hear the likes again.

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Seamen Bold is sung by Bob Copper on the Coppersongs3 CD; words and music are in both The Copper Family Song Book, and Bob Copper's book, A Song for Every Season.

Coppersite

New: 8 November 1998 | Now: 8 November 1998 | Transcription by Garry Gillard