Lyr. Add: THE LAD IN HIS JACKET SO BLUE
Tune: Bonnets of Blue

As I was a-walking one morning in May,
The birds were a-singing on ev'ry green spray;
A lovely young maiden she came in my view,
She was mourning the loss of her sailor so true.

I stepp'd up to her, and to her did say,
Oh pardon my freedom, fair damsel I pray,
I beg now your sorrow you'll try to subdue,
And ne'er think on the lad in his jacket so blue.

Cruel were my parents that tore him from me,
And cruel the pressgang that sent him to sea;
Three years he's gone from me, each pleasure adieu !
Till my Henry returns, my young sailor so true.

I said my young damsel, I've houses and land,
A carriage to ride in all at your command,
Servants to wait on you- bid sorrow adieu,
And ne'er think on the lad in his jacket so blue.

Your house, your lands, and your gold I despise,
There's none but my sailor I ever can prize;
He's the lad that I love, & to him I'll prove true,
And I'll ne'er put a stain on his jacket of blue.

I said my fair maiden, pray don't be surpris'd,
As the tears trickled down from her sparkling eyes,
While I've sail'd on the ocean to me you prov'd true,
I'm your sailor return'd in my jacket of blue.

My uncle has died and left me store of gold,
Twenty thousand bright guineas & houses untold;
A ring from his pocket he instantly drew-
Here's the token you gave when I parted from you.

Their parents consent the next day they obtain'd,
The day of their marriage was instantly named;
Their wedding took place each joy to renew,
She's blest with the lad in his jacket of blue.

Harding B11(2031), between 1813-1838, J. Catnach, printer, 7 Dials.

Paired with "Young Edwin in the Lowlands Low" in the Harding Collection, Bodleian Library.

There are several songs similar to both in collections of that time period, some ending in tragedy, others in happiness.