The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #93519   Message #1800897
Posted By: Barry Finn
03-Aug-06 - 05:57 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Bellamy's 'On Board a 98'?
Subject: RE: Bellamy's 'On Board a 98'?
I forgot, I was gonna post the words, as I have them

ON BOARD A NINETY-EIGHT

Oh, when I was young and scarce 18 I drove a roaring trade,
And many a sly trick have I played on many a pretty (severant) maid.
My parents found that would not do, I soon would spend their store
So they resolved that I should go on board a man-of-war.

A bold press gang surrounded me, their warrant they did show.
They swore (vowed) that I must go to sea and face a daring foe
Then off they lugged me to the boat, and then I cursed my fate
Oh then I found that I should float on board a 98.

When first I put my foot on board, how I did stand and stare
Our Admiral, he gave the word, "There is no time to spare".
They weighed the anchor, shook out sail, then off they bore me straight
To face the foe (French) in storm and gale on board a 98.

But as time flew (a-fled) I bolder grew I hardened was to war.
I'd run aloft with my ship's crew and valued not a scar
So well I did my duty, till I got Boatswain's mate
And Dam (blast) me soon got boatswain too on board a 98.

So years rolled by and at Trafalgar brave Nelson he fought and fell
As they capsized that hardy tar I took a rap as well.
So to Greenwich College I come back because I'd saved my pate,
They only knocked one wing off Jack on board a 98.

So now my cocoa I can take, my pouch with baccy stored
All in my blue coat (clothes) and my three-cocked hat, I'm as happy as a Lord
(Cos) I've done my duty, served my King, and now I bless my fate
But dam (blast) me, I'm too old to sing, I'm nearly 98

Thanks Les, duh, should'a figured.

Barry


Bellamy recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SAp7ovwygg
Some lyrics are different from Barry's transcription. -Joe Offer-