In Scarlet Town where I was born
There was a bosun dwelling
And every day cried "Well-away!"
For the sea, see, he was pining.

All in the merry month of March
As the sea-gulls they were diving
The bosun shipped on a bark so fair
'Twas called the "Alice Rivings."

The "Alice" put to sea apace
And the weather it was stinkin'
"All hands aloft!" the captain cried,
"I fear we are a-sinkin'!"

She had not sailed but a mile or twa
When she sank beyond Man's knowin'
And the bosun drowned in the briny deep
'Twill teach him to pine for sailin'.