Lyr Add: The Smuggler King (from Bodleian)

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SMUGGLER KING (from Bodleian)
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jul 02 - 03:30 PM

THE SMUGGLER KING
(broadside from Bodleian Library)

There's a brave little barque, stealing out in the dark
From her nest in the bustling bay
The fresh breeze meets her dingy sheets,
And swiftly she darts away.
She never must run in the eyes of the sun,
But along with the owl take wing.
[She must keep he flight on the moonlight night
For she carries the Smuggler King.] x2

A monarch is he as bold as can be,
of a strong and daring band.
The bullet and blast may go whistling past
But he quails neither heart nor hand.
He lives and he dies with fearful pride
Like a hunted wolf he'll spring.
[With trigger and dirk to the deadliest work,
And fight like a smuggler King.] x2

Back from the wave to his home in the cave,
In the sheen of the torches glare,
He reigns the lord of the freebooters board,
And never was costlier fare,
right firm and true are the hearts of his crew
There's faith in the shout that rings,
[As they stave the cask and drain the flask,
And drink to the Smuggler King.] x 2


Wayfaring Strangers sings this – words almost identical.

sound clip available at Wayfaring Strangers

does anyone know if the tune they use is traditional or new?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: THE SMUGGLER KING
From: The Pooka
Date: 15 Jul 02 - 08:27 PM

Thanks MMario. A fine addition. / I don't recognize the melody, but that doesn't mean much. Others will know better./ Boy we're getting a lot of good Royal songs around here lately. :)

Regally Yours,
---The Rolling Mormon Smuggler King