Lyrics

When I Was A Fair Maid
traditional

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

And the music so grand, the music so grand
For to hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand

Well the officer that listed me was a tall and handsome man
He said you'll make a sailor so come along my man
My waist being tall and slender, my fingers long and thin
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them

I soon exceeded them, I soon exceeded them
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them

Well they sent me to bed and they sent me to bunk
To lie with a sailor, I never was afraid
But taking off my blue coat sure it often made me smile
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while

and a maiden all the while, a maiden all the while
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while

Oh they sent me up to London for to guard the tower
And I'm sure I might be there 'til my very dying hour
But a lady fell in love with me, I told her I was a maid
Oh she went up to the captain and my secret she betrayed

my secret she betrayed, my secret she betrayed
Oh she went up to the captain and my secret she betrayed

Well the captain he came up to me and he asked if this was so
Oh 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

such a handsome young maid, a handsome young maid
It's a pity we should lose you such a handsome young maid

So it's fare thee well captain, you've been so kind to me
And likewise to my shipmates, 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 hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again

and I'll run the rigging again, I'll run the rigging again
I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again