This is the version that I've sung for several years:

Admiral Benbow

We sailed to Virginia, and then to Fayal.
We watered our shipping, and so we weighed all.
Being in view of the seas boys, seven sail we did espy
So we hoisted our tops'ls, and sailed speedily.

Now the first we came up withal was a brig and a sloop.
And we asked if the other five were as big as they looked.
Then turning to windward, as near as we could lie
We found them to be French men of war cruising by.

So we drew up our squadron in a very nice line
And we fought them courageously, for near four hours time.
But the day being spent, and the night coming on,
We let them alone till the very next morn'.

Now the very next morning the engagement proved hot,
When brave Admiral Benbow recieved a chain shot.
And when he was wounded, to his merry men he did say,
"Take me up in your arms boys and carry me away".

Oh the guns they did rattle, and the bullets did fly,
And brave Admiral Benbow for help loud did cry.
"Carry me to the cockpit, there is ease for my smart",
"If my men they should see me, it will break aal their hearts".

Now the very next morning at the break of the day.
We hoisted our tops'ls and so bore away.
We bore down to Port Royal, where the people flocked much,
To see Admiral Benbow carried to Kingston church.

So come all you young fellows, where ever you've been.
Come drink a good health to our King and our Queen.
And another good health, to the girls that we know.
And a third in remembrance of brave Admiral Benbow




... and there's another (which I know as 'Brave Benbow') which starts,

"Come all you seaman bold
And draw near, and draw near..."

to a tune similar to "Captain Kidd" or "Jack Hall" which is a bit more chorusy, bloodthirsty & inaccurate!

The first version (or a similar one) is in the Bodleian Library ballad collection at

http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ballads/ballads.htm

- or at least it used to be - I've just looked and can't find it!

Hang on a tick....


Steve