As I walked out on London Street A press gang there I chanced to meet They asked me if I'd join the fleet On board of a man-o-war, boys
Come brother shipmates tell to me What kind of treatment they give you That I may know before I go On board of a man-o-war, boys
When I got there to my surprise All they had told me was shocking lies There was a row and a jolly old row On board of a man-o-war, boys
The first thing they done they took me in hand They lashed me with a ?tar of a strand? They flogged me till I could not stand On board of a man-o-war, boys
Now I was married and me wife's name was Grace 'Twas she that led me to shocking disgrace It's oft I'd curse her ugly face On board of a man-o-war, boys
When next I get may foot on shore To see them London girls once more I'll never go to sea no more On board of a man-o-war, boys