Don't you see the ships a-coming? Don't you see them in full sail? Don't you see the ships a-coming With the prizes at the tail?
Chorus (after each verse): Oh my little rolling sailor, Oh my little rolling he; How I love my rolling sailor When he's on a rolling sea; When he's on a rolling, rolling, When he's on a rolling sea.
Sailors they get all the money, Soldiers they get none but brass. How I love my rolling sailor, Soldiers they can kiss my ...
How can I be blithe and merry With my true love far from me? All this pretty little sailors, They've been pressed and tanged to sea.
How I wish the press were over And the wars were at an end. Then every sailor laddie Would be happy with his friend.
When the wars they are all over Peace and plenty come again; Everybody sailor laddie Will come sailing on the main.
Oh, the wars will soon be over And the sailors once come home; Every lass will get a lad, She won't have to sleep alone.