If anyone is interested, these are the lyrics (as best I can catch 'em) on SM's version. Some subtle (and not so subtle) differences from Fairport's version. I've not listened to other versions (yet):

CLOSE TO THE WIND

Farewell to you, my faithful Nancy
And a thousand times adieu
For the constable comes up from Brackley Market
And a hundred volunteers too.
No more can we hide in the forest
I fear they would run us to ground.
And the wild sea, we sailed upon it
Too close to the wind.

For twenty long years we have roamed the highways
Of Northamptonshire
From Daventry down to the southern byways
Oh we rumbled both the rich and the poor.
For ofttimes our families were starving
Was the highway that kept them alive.
And the wild sea, we sailed upon it
Too close to the wind.

And tonight I lie in a darkened dungeon
Condemned on the gallows to die,
Whilst the man who sent us away is only
Bound for Australia.
No man will stand to defend us
Well there's naught but abuse comes our way.
And the wild sea, we sailed upon it
Too close to the wind.

And the clouds they rise on Northampton market,
As the crowds pour into the town,
And people will crowd in these streets until sunset
When the hangman cuts us down.
And fifteen children of Culworth
Well their fathers are taken away.
And the wild sea, we sailed upon it
Too close to the wind.

And fifteen children of Culworth
Their fathers are taken away.
And the wild sea, we sailed upon it
Too close to the wind.

The wild sea, we sailed upon it
Too close to the wind.