VIRGINIA TRADITIONS - Ballads from British Tradition
The Ragging Sea, How it Roars (The Mermaid) - Child #289
Ernest V. Stoneman, 1928

Please, help me with this transcription. Thanks. R

It's nine times around - said the captain of the ship
It's nine times around - said he
Oh, it's nine times around, Lord, we're sinking in the deep
While the landlords, lie dreaming down below

Chorus - Oh, the ragging sea, how it roars
And the cold chilly winds how they blow
While ...(?) poor sailors are sinking in the deep
And the landlords, lie dreaming down below

Oh, first on deck was the captain of the ship
A fine looking fellow was he
Says – I have a wife in old Mexico
And tonight (?) she is looking for me

Oh, next on deck was the lady of the ship
A fine looking lady was she
Says – I have husband in New Mexico
And tonight (?) he's looking for me

Oh, next on deck was the ....(?) litte cook
A ... little cook was he
He cares no more for his wife and his child
Then he does for the fish in the sea