A good sword and a trusty hand
A merry heart and true
King James’ men shall understand what Cornish men can do
Have they fixed the where and when?
Shall Trelawny die?
Well, here’s twenty thousand Cornish men who’d know the reason why

CHORUS:
And shall Trelawny live, or shall Trelawny die?
Here’s twenty thousand Cornish men who’d know the reason why

Up spake our Captain, brave and bold
A merry wight was he
“If London tower were Michael’s hold
We’d set Trelawny free!
We’ve crossed the Tamar, land to land
The Severn is no stay
And one and all, and hand in hand
Who shall bid us nay?”

CHORUS:
And shall Trelawny live, or shall Trelawny die?
Here’s twenty thousand Cornish men who’d know the reason why

And when we get to London Wall
That pleasant sight to view
Come forth! Come forth, ye cowards all!
Here’s better men than you!
Trelawny he’s in keep and hold
Trelawny he may die
But here’s twenty thousand Cornish bold who’d know the reason why
CHORUS:
And shall Trelawny live, or shall Trelawny die?
Here’s twenty thousand Cornish men who’d know the reason why!