I'm the man before the mast That ploughs the raging sea And on this simple subject Will you please enlighten me Common sailors we are called Come tell me the reason why And on this simple subject I'll reply Chorus: Don't you call us common sailors anymore Don't you call us common sailors anymore Good things to you we bring Don't you call us common men We're as good as anybody that's on shore 2. The young girls of this country Their growing days we bless We brings them silks and satins Out of which they makes a dress To gain the heart of some young man As fancy dresses do Don't never despise the sailor boys That sails the ocean blue Chorus:
3. The young gents of this country They're sitting at their ease Not thinking on the stormy nights That we spent on the seas We brings the leaves to make cigars To decorate their face They wouldn't call us common If they were sometimes in our place Chorus: 4. When speaking of a man ashore We never hear you say He's a common this or common that Be his calling what it may Be he a travelling tinker, Or a scavanger, or a sweep Then why call us common sailors Who battle with the deep Chorus: