Ah, well who wouldn't be a sailor lad, a sailin' on the Main To gain the good will of his Captain's good name He came ashore, one evening from the sea And that was beginning of me own true love and me
Chorus: And it's home boys, home Home I'd like to be, home for awhile In me own country, where the oak and the ash and the Bonny rowan tree Are all a growin' greener, in the North Country
I asked her for a candle for to light me way to bed Likewise for a handkerchief to tie around me head She tended to me needs, like a young maid ought to do Then I says to her, why don't you jump in with me too
Chorus
She jump into bed and makin' no alarm, Thinking a young sailor lad could do to her no harm I hugged her; I kissed her, the whole night long Till she wished the short night had been seven years Long
Chorus
Early next morning the sailor lad arose And into Mary's apron, threw a handful of gold Sayin' "Take this, my dear. For the damage that I've Done, For tonight I fear I've left you with a daughter or a Son."
Chorus
And if it be a girl child, send her out to nurse With gold in her pocket and with silver in her purse And if it be a boy child, he'll wear the jacket blue And go climbing up the riggin', like his daddy used to Do
Chorus
So come all of you fair maidens, a warning take be me Never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee I trusted one and he beguiled me He left me with a pair of twins to dandle on me knee