I thought it was the Kingston Trio version that I heard when I was young. I found their version at The Kingston Trio Place.

But it's not the version I recall - I think there was a line that said,

But I will double my indebtedness by blowing the candles out

Maybe my upbringing was overly innocent, but I never had the feeling I caught onto double entendres and dirty jokes. I had the feeling there was something in this story I didn't understand. Yeah, I figured that "blowing the candles out" implied that he and she sleep tobether qnd she conceives a child - but how does this double the indebtedness?

Anyhow, here's the Kingston Trio version.

-Joe Offer-

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BLOW THE CANDLE OUT
Tom Drake/Bob Shane

When I sailed into Portland town, I called upon my dear.
Her window held a candle. Its light shone bright and clear.
I walked up to her doorstep. I knew she was within.
Her candle told the story, boys, and I was home again.

I like her good behaviour. I like her easy way.
I cannot sleep contented. The night seems like the day.
To sail in muddy weather, it makes me want to shout
and roll her in my arms, boys, and blow the candle out.

When I got home to Portland, 'twas as I said before.
The candle at the window and my love at the door.
We let the candle go, boys. We had no care or strife.
We went to see the parson and she became my wife.

And when we have a baby, boys, we'll name him after me.
She'll keep him neat and kiss him and rock him on her knee,
And when this trip is over, I'll sail no more about.
Yes, I'll remain in Portland, Maine, to blow the candle out.

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