HOME, BOYS, HOME

Oh well who wouldn't be a sailor lad a-sailing under me
To gain the good will of his captain's good name
He came ashore one evening for to see
And that was the beginning of my own true love and me

Chorus   [after each verse]

And it's home, boys, home, home I'd like to be
Home for a while in my own country
And where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growing green in the north country

Well I asked her for a candle to light my way to bed
Likewise for a handkerchief to tie around my head
She tended to my knees like the young maid ought to do
So then I says to her now won't you jump in with me too.

Well she jumped into bed and making no alarm
Thinking a young sailor lad to 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.

Well, early next morning the sailor lad arose
And into Mary's apron threw a handful of gold
Saying 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.

And if it be a girl child send her out to nurse
With gold in her pocket and with silver in her purse
If it be a boy child he'll wear the jacket blue
And go climbing up the rigging like his daddy used to do.

And so, come all of you fair maidens, a warning take by me
Never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee
I trusted one and he beguiled me
He left me with a parrot whence to dangle on my knee