Well as I were a-walking a London street A press gang there I chanced to meet They asked me if I'd join the fleet On board a Man-of-War boys On board a Man-of-War
Said I brother shipmates, tell me true What kind of treatment they gives to you That I may know before I go
Well the first thing they did they took me in 'and They flogged me with the tar of a strand They flogged me till I could not stand
Then they 'ung me up by my two thumbs Then they flogged me till the blood did run And that's the usage they gave to me
Well I 'ad a wife and 'er name was Grey 'T were 'er that led me to shocking delay 'T were 'er that caused me to go away
Ah but if ever I get me feet on shore To see them London girls once more I'll never go to sea anymore