[Verse 1]
The King sits in Dunfirmline town
Drinking of the blood-red wine
"Where can I get a good sea captain
To sail this might boat of mine?"
Then up there spoke a bonny boy
Sitting at the King's right knee
"Sir Patrick Spens is the very best seaman
That ever sailed upon the sea"

[Verse 2]
The King has written a broad letter
And sealed with his own right hand
Sending word unto Sir Patrick
To come to him at his command
"An enemy then this must be
Who told the lie concerning me
For I was never a very good seaman
Nor ever do intend to be"

[Verse 3]
They had not sailed upon the sea
A day but barely free
When loud and boisterous blew the winds
And stormy blew the sea
Then up there came a mermaiden
A comb and glass all in her hand
"Here’s a health to you my merry young men
For you'll not see dry land"
"Long may my lady, look
With a lantern in her hand
Before she sees my bonny ship
Sail homeward to dry land"
[Outro]
For forty miles off Aberdeen
The waters fifty fathom deep
There lies good Sir Patrick Spens
With the Scots lords at his feet