Well, it gets confusing, Steve. The main topic of this thread is a series of songs about a sailor's proposal of marriage is refused because he stinks of tar. Some songs titled "Jack Tar" or "Jolly Tar" tell that tale, and some do not.

The Tarry Sailor song that Q posted has the rejected proposal, but not the stink of tar - BUT, as in "Paper of Pins," the woman changes her mind and accepts the proposal when she smells money. At this the suitor smells a rat, and withdraws his proposal.

Pretty smelly affair, all round.

But to queer the do a bit more, the Digital Traditions has two songs, Jack Tar I and Jack Tar II, which don't have anything to do with a marriage proposal.

-Joe-