[Rodney:]
O, hark, ye landsmen, and I'll tip a stave.
It's all about a Jack Tar's life.
Ye know he finds a home
Where so ever he may roam,
And if he's a likely sort,
He is sure to court a gal in ev'ry port.
There's Black-eyed Bess of Plymouth town,
There is blue-eyed Kate of Cork.
There's Hampton Nell with the eyes of brown,
There is Sue of Yankee York.
Ahoy! ahoy for the sea, lads!
One gal would never suit me.
[Chorus:]
Ho! yo ho!
[Rodney:]
Ho yo ho! While the four winds blow
I shall love like a lad heart-free.
If they won't say me nay
I'll be faithful for a day,
After that they may cry
And may pipe a teary eye,
they may wait on the quay,
Looking out on the sea,
But they can't put a splice on me.
[Chorus:]
Ho yo ho! While the four winds blow
Jack shall love like a lad heart-free.
They stand on the quay, looking out upon the sea,
But it's free he is bound to be.
[Rodney:]
When sail is sighted
from the Masthead high;
And extra grog is served to all,
When a "Frenchy" heaves in sight
you should see us dancin' light;
How the "Froggies" quake with fear
As we give a cheer and overhaul "Mounseer."
The "Parley-voos" they may cackle and chide,
They may show us some fight belike.
But put a shot or two in her side
And her silly old flag she'll strike.
Draw cutlass then and aboard, lads!
For here's prize money for we!
[Chorus:]
Ho! yo ho!
[Rodney:]
Ho yo ho! While the four winds blow
I shall love like a lad heart-free.
If they won't say me nay
I'll be faithful for a day,
After that they may cry
And may pipe a teary eye,
they may wait on the quay,
Looking out on the sea,
But they can't put a splice on me.
[Chorus:]
Ho yo ho! While the four winds blow
Jack shall love like a lad heart-free.
[Rodney:]
If they won't say me nay
I'll be faithful for a day,
[Chorus:]
After that they may cry
And may pipe a teary eye,
[Rodney:]
They may wait on the quay,
looking out on the sea,
But they can't put a splice on me.