My transcription from the recording on Spotify. I have boldfaced the words that are different from the sheet music (see above). Note that several lines are omitted, the equivalent of 2 verses:


DOWN IN THE DIVING BELL
As sung by Jeff Davis and Jeff Warner on "Two Little Boys: More Old-Time Songs for Kids" (1994)

1. Once I was a sailor lad; some tales to you I'll tell
About the wonders of the deep while down in the diving bell.
When I was far across the sea, the captain challenged me:
I'd not the pluck to go and see the mermaids in the sea.

CHORUS: Oh, down in the diving bell to the bottom of the sea,
There are the prettiest sights that you shall ever see.
Down in the diving bell to the bottom of the sea,
Those nice little mermaids, pretty little mermaids, all come courting me.

2. When I got only halfway down, the mermaids came to me
And danced around to greet me at the bottom of the sea.
I clasped a mermaid in my arms; to kiss her was my wish,
But like an eel she slipp'd away; you cannot kiss a fish.

3. Her mother brought her back to me and whisper'd unto me
That if I would, we could be married there beneath the sea.
We were married in a chapel made out of oyster shells.
The parson wore his bathing gown, and the goldfish rang the bells.