ALPHABET OF THE SHIP

A is the anchor, and that we all know,
B is the bowsprit hung over the bow,

C is the capsin we often rowny [capstan; rounded?]
D is the deck where the sailors are found,

E is the ensign of our misin peak flue [which our mizzen peak flew?]
F is the forecastle- now where is the crew?

G is the gun by which we all stand,
H is the hauser which never will strand, [hawser]

I is the iron on our stintion boom ship [?]
J is the job that makes a good fit,

K is the kilson all down in the hole, [?hold]
L is the lanyard that has a strong hold,

M is the mizmast big stout and strong,
N is the needle that never goes wrong,

O is the oar that lies in our boat,
P is the pennant wherever she floats,

Q is the quarterdeck on which our captain stood,
R is the rigging which served so good,

S is the stiltarts which weighed out the beef, [?steelyards]
T is the topsail so often we reef,

U is the union by which we adore,
V is the Virgin we fly to our [?]

W is the wheel which we will all take our time [?turn]
And the other letters will soon come in rhyme.

X is our ship, it has no place,
Y is the yardarm which are very well placed,

Z is the zinc on our bottom we know;
(When the captain calls 'Grog, boys,' we will all go below.

Suggested corrections needed for lines I, V, K.
Collected Roanoke Island, 1920

No. 229, Work Songs, vol. 3, The Frank C. Brown Collection of North Carolina Folklore, ed. H. M. Belden and A. P. Hudson, Duke Univ. Press.