The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #93519 Message #1800897
Posted By: Barry Finn
03-Aug-06 - 05:57 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Bellamy's 'On Board a 98'?
Subject: RE: Bellamy's 'On Board a 98'?
I forgot, I was gonna post the words, as I have them
ON BOARD A NINETY-EIGHT
Oh, when I was young and scarce 18 I drove a roaring trade, And many a sly trick have I played on many a pretty (severant) maid. My parents found that would not do, I soon would spend their store So they resolved that I should go on board a man-of-war.
A bold press gang surrounded me, their warrant they did show. They swore (vowed) that I must go to sea and face a daring foe Then off they lugged me to the boat, and then I cursed my fate Oh then I found that I should float on board a 98.
When first I put my foot on board, how I did stand and stare Our Admiral, he gave the word, "There is no time to spare". They weighed the anchor, shook out sail, then off they bore me straight To face the foe (French) in storm and gale on board a 98.
But as time flew (a-fled) I bolder grew I hardened was to war. I'd run aloft with my ship's crew and valued not a scar So well I did my duty, till I got Boatswain's mate And Dam (blast) me soon got boatswain too on board a 98.
So years rolled by and at Trafalgar brave Nelson he fought and fell As they capsized that hardy tar I took a rap as well. So to Greenwich College I come back because I'd saved my pate, They only knocked one wing off Jack on board a 98.
So now my cocoa I can take, my pouch with baccy stored All in my blue coat (clothes) and my three-cocked hat, I'm as happy as a Lord (Cos) I've done my duty, served my King, and now I bless my fate But dam (blast) me, I'm too old to sing, I'm nearly 98