Botany Bay

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com

Come all ye young men of learning and a warning take from me I would have you quit night walking and shun bad company
I would have you quit night walking er else you'll rue the day
You'll rue your transportation lads when you're bound for Botany Bay

I was brought up in London town at a place I know full well Brought up by honest parents for the truth to tell
Brought up by honest parents and reared most tenderly
Till I became a roving blade which proved my destiny

My character was shaken and I was sent to jail
My friends they tried to clear me but nothing could prevail
At the old Bailey sessions the judge to me did say
The jury found you guilty lad so you go to Botany Bay

It was on May the twenty eight from England we did steer
And all things being safe on board we sailed down the river clear And every ship that we passed by we heard the sailors say
Good thing it's them not us -Ho- Ho that are bound for Botany Bay

There is a girl in Manchester a girl I know quite well
And if I ever get set free with her I intend to dwell
Which means, I mean to marry her aAnd no more go astray
I'll shun all evil company bid adieu to Botany Bay

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com