The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #174602 Message #4233756
Posted By: Robert B. Waltz
03-Jan-26 - 08:31 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Captain Grant
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Captain Grant
It's too late at night for me to pull out the books and type up texts, but "Captain Grant" is Roud #1286, and there are dozens of versions known. Here is the one from the Alfred Williams collection:
My name is Captain Grant, as I am able to say, I am one of those bold champions who go on the highway. With my metal bullet and ball I knocked the sentry down, And I made my escape out of Edinburgh town.
Verse 2
Out of Edinburgh Gaol, where I made my way good, I took my night's lodging in the shelter of a wood; 'Twas of some wicked woman, she did me betray, And she had me surrounded as sleeping I lay.
Verse 3
I fell upon my arms - my bullet and ball - But my powder was damp and I could not fire at all; It was my sad misfortune then my calling for to stop, But out of you young gallants there may be one to stop.
Verse 4
Oh 'tis here now I must lie till Assizes do come round, My heart is filled with sorrow for my life is almost gone; God bless my wife and family, and I hope they'll never want, And the Lord have mercy on my soul, said bold Captain Grant.