Ah, well who wouldn't be a sailor lad, a sailin' on the
Main
To gain the good will of his Captain's good name
He came ashore, one evening from the sea
And that was beginning of me own true love and me

Chorus:
And it's home boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for awhile
In me own country, where the oak and the ash and the
Bonny rowan tree
Are all a growin' greener, in the North Country

I asked her for a candle for to light me way to bed
Likewise for a handkerchief to tie around me head
She tended to me needs, like a young maid ought to do
Then I says to her, why don't you jump in with me too

Chorus

She jump into bed and makin' no alarm
Thinking a young sailor lad could do to her no harm
I hugged her; I kissed her, the whole night long
Till she wished the short night had been seven years
Long
Chorus

Early next morning the sailor lad arose
And into Mary's apron, threw a handful of gold
Sayin' "Take this, my dear. For the damage that I've
Done
For tonight I fear I've left you with a daughter or a
Son."

Chorus

And 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 riggin', like his daddy used to
Do

Chorus

So come all of you fair maidens, a warning take be me
Never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee
I trusted one and he beguiled me
He left me with a pair of twins to dandle on me knee

Chorus