Black Eyed Susan    
John Gay 1720 England   
 Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com

All in the downs the fleet was moored,
The streamers waving in the wind,
When black-eyed Susan came on board
Oh, where shall I my true love find
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true
If my sweet William sails among your crew
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William was high upon the yard,
Kocked by the billows to and fro,
Soon as her well-known voice he heard
He sighed and cast his eyes below;
The cord slices swiftly through his glowing hands,
And, quick as lightning, on the deck he stands
...................................................................

Believe not what the landsmen say,
Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind,
They'll tell thee sailors, when away,
In every port a mistress find.
Yet, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,
For thou art present where so ever I go.
..............................................................

Oh Susan, Susan, lovely dear
My vows for ever true remain,
Let me kiss off that falling tear,
We only part to meet again;
Change as ye list, ye winds, my heart shall be
The faithful compass that still points to thee
............................................................

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,
The sails their swelling bosoms spread;
No longer must she stay on board;
They kiss  she sighed  he hangs his head;
The lessening boat unwilling rows to land,
"Adieu," she cries and waves her lily hand

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com