Lyrics rom the Smithsonian Folkways liner notes (mentioned above)

Roll Alabama Roll

When the Alabama's keel was laid,
Roll, Alabama, roll.
'Twas laid in the yard of Jonathan Laird,
Roll, Alabama, roll.
"Twas laid in the yard of Jonathan Laird,
Roll, Alabama, roll.
'Twas laid in the town of Birkenhead,
Roll, Alabama, roll.
-------------------
Down the Mersey ways she rolled then,
Liverpool filled her with guns and men.

From the Western Isles she sailed forth,
To destroy the commerce of the North.

To Cherbourg port she sailed one day,
To take her count of prize money.

Many a sailor lad he saw his doom,
When the Ke-arsarge it hove in view.

Till a ball from the forward pivot that day
Shot the Alabama's stern away.

Off the three mile limit in '65
The Alabama went to her grave.

The notes include clippings from the papers of the times, contemporary illustrations, and elucidation. Very interesting, an album worth having.

Ballads of the Civil War, sung by Hermes Nye with Guitar." FP5004, Folkways. 1954, 21 songs, all lyrics in liner.