DEAR BBJ:

I've been singing this song since 1969. Why on earth would Roger McGuinn publish this in 1998? It isn't his! I love The Byrds, Roger, but I'm sorry-this song doesn't belong to you.

This is the version I learned from Troubadour Danny Cox who performed at The Raven Gallery in Southfield, Michigan in 1969. A Detroit folksinger named Ron Coden also sings it. He corrected a line and a chord for me when he heard me perform at the Raven Gallery.


First of all, there are three verses.

I am a rank and ramblin' sailor lad
And I'm newly home from the port of Trinidad
With my heart still tingling from the deep salt sea
And The Good Ship of London to be free!

C
H Oh, Honey- I've got lots of money
O And I'll rant and roar 'till I see my homeland shore
R With my heart still tinglin' from the deep salt sea
U And the good ship of London to be free!
S

There were three girls who lived in Portsmouth town
And each one had a reputation of renown
And we thought we'd keep 'em wigglin'
'till the rigging it was jigglin'
We kissed 'em all, and sailed upon the sea!

(CHORUS)

And now, we're back again in jolly London Town
And we reminisce all the pleasures we have found
But we'll heave a restless sigh
And not know the reason why
We must go and sail upon the sea! (but)

(Chorus)

(Verse One) (sing in harmony while playing the melody)

And The Good Ship Of London to be free! (Repeat Refrain)