Текст пісні
When I was a fair maid about seventeen
I listed in the navy for to serve the Queen
I listed in the navy, a sailor lad to stand
For to hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand
The music so grand, the music so grand
For to hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand
Now the officer who enlisted me was a tall and handsome man
He said "Jamaica, sailor lad, so come along, my man"
My waist being tall and slender, my fingers long and thin
Oh very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them
I soon exceeded them, soon exceeded them
Very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them
Then they sent me to bunk and they sent me to bed
To lie with the sailors, I never was afraid
But taking off my blue coat, it oft times made me smile
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while
A maiden all the while, maiden all the while
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while
Then they sent me off to London town to guard the Tower
And I'm sure that I might be there till my very dying hour
But a lady fell in love with me, I told her I was a maid
She went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed
My secret she betrayed, secret she betrayed
She went unto the captain, my secret she betrayed
So the captain he stepped up to me and he asked if it was true
I dare not, I dare not, I dare not say no
It's a pity we should lose you, such a sailor lad you made
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid
A handsome young maid, handsome young maid
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid
So fare thee well, my captain, you've been so kind to me
And likewise, my sailor lads, I'm sorry to part with thee
But if ever the navy needs a lad, a sailor I'll remain
I'll put out my cap and feathers and I'll run the rigging again
I will run the rigging again, run the rigging again
I'll put out my cap and feathers and I'll run the rigging again
I will run the rigging again, run the rigging again
I'll put out my cap and feathers and I'll run the rigging again