Oh well, who wouldn't be a sailor lad a'sailing on the main To gain the good will of his captain's good name He came ashore one evening for to be And that was the beginning of my own true love and me
And it's home boys home Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowantree Are all a'growin' green in the old country
Well I asked her for a candle for to light me way to bed And likeways for a handkerchief to tie around me head She tended to me needs like a young maid ought to do So then I says to her "Now won't you jump in with me too!"
And it's home boys home Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowantree Are all a'growin' green in the old country
Well she jumped into bed, making no alarm Thinking a young sailor lad could do to her no harm Well I hugged her, I kissed her the whole night long Til she wished the short night had been seven years long
And it's home boys home Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowantree Are all a'growin' green in the old country
Early next morning the sailor lad arose And into Mary's apron threw a handful of gold Saying "Take this me dear for the damage that I've done For tonight I fear I've left you with a daughter or a son"
And it's home boys home Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowantree Are all a'growin' green in the old country
Well, 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 rigging like his daddy used to do
And it's home boys home Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowantree Are all a'growin' green in the old country
Oh come all of you fair maidens, a warning take by me And never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee For I trusted one and he beguiled me He left me with a pair of twins to dangle on me knee
And it's home boys home Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowantree Are all a'growin' green in the old country