As I walked out one morning In the spring time of the year, I overheard a sailor boy Likewise a lady fair.
They sang a song together, Made the valleys for to ring; While the birds on the spray in the meadows gay Proclaimed the lovely spring.
Said Willy unto Nancy, “Oh we soon must sail away, For it's lovely on the water To hear the music play.
For our Queen she do want seamen, So I will not stay on shore. I will brave the wars for my country Where the blund'ring cannons roar.”
Poor Nancy fell and fainted But soon he brought her to, For it's there they kissed and they embraced And took a fond adieu.
“Come change your ring with me, my love, For we may meet once more; But there's One above that will guard you, love, Where the blund'ring cannons roar.
Four pounds, it is our bounty, And that must do for thee. For to help the aged parents While I am on the sea.”
For Tower Hill is crowded With mothers weeping sore, For their sons are gone to face the foe Where the blundering cannons roar.