Canadee-I-O - Trad.
The definitive version, for me, is on the wonderful Nic Jones' Penguin Eggs album.
It's no secret I'm a HUGE fan of Nic! I wouldn't want to attempt an acoustic version after his!
So we did a rocked-up and expanded-by-other-tunes electric arrangement on our latest - 'All Rogues & Villains'


It's of a fair and handsome girl – she's all in her tender years
She fell in love with a sailor boy – it's true she loved him well
For to go off to sea with him – like she did not know how
She longed to see that seaport town called Canadee-I-O

She bargained with a young sailor boy – it's all for a piece of gold
Straightway he led her down – all into the hold
Saying I'll dress you up sailor's clothes – your jacket shall be blue
You'll see that seaport town called Canadee-I-O

Now when the other sailor's heard the news – well they fell into a rage
And with the whole ship's company – they were willing to engage
Saying we'll tie her hands and feet me boys – overboard, her, we will throw
She'll never see that seaport town called Canadee-I-O

Now when the captain he's heard the news – well he too fell into a rage
And with the whole ship's company – he was willing to engage
Saying she'll stay all in sailor's clothes – her colour shall be blue
She'll see that seaport town called Canadee-I-O

Now when they came to Canada – scarcely above half a year
She's married this bold captain – he's called her his dear
She's dressed in silks and satins now – she cuts a gallant show
She's the finest of the ladies down in Canadee-I-O

Come all you fair and tender girls – where so ever you may be
I'll have you follow your own true love – when he goes out on the sea
For if the sailors prove false to you – well the captain he may prove true
You'll see the honour she has gained from the wearing of the blue