CAPPY JOHN'S BRIDE ©1996 Fred Gosbee BMI Castlebay Music

Now a skipper that we know who was famous long ago
Was looking for a ship as his was run aground
Though it was sometimes stated 'twas the way he navigated
Ol' Cappy John was rated as the finest man around

Now there was a ship nearby that he wanted for to try
It belonged to Ned McKenzie and was called the Mary Beale
But old John was shy of girls and the place was full of curls
And he didn't have the nerve to go up and make his deal

She carries her bow high and her stern is nice and round
It's easy to hold her when she's sheeted down
She is my heart's desire and all that I require
Is that you let me try her when I come to town

Now the mate, whose name was Dan,
Up and says to the old man
“I can sound McKenzie out and then clear away the girls
I will see that it's alright if you want to go tonight
For that ship she is a sight, she's the best in all the world”

So Dan goes to McKenzie but somehow in all the frenzy
There was some misunderstanding
And he got the message wrong
Or perhaps the silly goomer had a twisted sense of humor
But when Cappy came to view her he was singing this song

McKenzie shook his hand and he says “I understand
that you want to take my Mary away from me
Now before with you I send her I must tell you she is tender
Which I'll thank you to remember when you take her out to sea”

So John says “Dan must have told that I want to fill her hold;
With a belly full of cargo I know she'll handle fine
I promise not to break her and if ever I forsake her ,
Then I know the mate will take her for he's a friend of mine”

Says McKenzie “Are you mad? for you talk just like a cad
To throw my Mary over like some trollop in Rangoon
She isn't just some fun thing (though I might permit some bundling)
But I will tell you one thing, you must make your offer soon”

Says John “I can't commit , until one thing you permit      
You must let me roll her over on the sand beside the bay
I will have my men inspect her and still I may reject her
If her bottom is neglected or has started to decay”

Says McKenzie “I can't stand it ; you are worse than any bandit
Since the two of you have planned it
‘tis yourselves that should begin”
He called Mary from the kitchen :Cappy John he started twitchin'
But the girl she was bewitchin' and she smiled as she came in

Now the mate, he oiled the water,
And the skipper got the daughter
He's as happy as an otter with his dear and blushing bride
Though it seemed a bright invention
He'd the good sense not to mention
That it wasn't his intention,
AND HE GOT THE SHIP BESIDES!