Old Glory Sails by Barry Finn
Tune: Empty Nets by Jim Payne

She's a three masted frigate with an entrance real fine,
A 54 gunner and well laid out in style.
She's been bruised, but not broken, scarred and well worn,
She's the oldest still serving and her back is still strong.

Chorus: And all the young nation hopes that her glory won't pale,
And she'll say in the service under full sail.

With the Barbary Pirates off of Tripoli's coast,
It was a battle fought fiercely and few lives she lost.
Like rolling thunder a broadside she poured,
Sending enemy ships to the ocean floor.

Chorus:

Off New Jersey she was sited by King George's fleet,
With no wind and alone she turned in retreat.
For two days and three nights the crew towed her o'r the shoals,
With brilliance and fresh wind she out distanced five foes.

Chorus:

At 14 knots she was fast for her time,
She out sailed most of the Ships Of The Line.
In battle the cannonballs bounced off her side,
Off Halifax she was christened with the name Ironsides.

Chorus:

The Guerriere she met with her 48 guns,
Within an hour her masts and her rigging were gone.
Like the Pitcairn and the Java who'd not be taken in tow,
They were all left for the waves to wash over their bows.

Chorus:

Never holed or dismasted by an unfriendly gun,
Two centuries of service and she stood every storm.
Now with new copper sheathing, planking, decking and frames,
In her glory she'll sail as the fleet's pride once again.

Chorus:

Barry Finn 1997