lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com

British Man' O War

It was down in yonder meadow I carelessly did stray
There I beheld a lady fair All with a sailor gay

He said, My lovely fair maid, I soon must leave this shore
To cross the briny ocean In a British Man-of-War

Fair Susan fell to weeping Young sailor" she did say
Oh do not be so venturesome As to throw your life away

For when that I am twenty-one I shall receive my store
So I pray you do not venture On a British Man-of-War

Oh, Susan lovely Susan The truth to you I'll tell
The British Flag insulted is All England knows it well

I may be crowned with laurels All like some jolly tar
So I'll face the walls of China In a British Man-of-War

Oh do not be so venturesome As to face the cruel Chinese
For they will prove as treacherous As any Portuguese

And by some deadly dagger You may receive a scar
So William do not venture On a British Man-of-War

Oh Susan lovely Susan The time will quickly pass
Will you come to the Ferry-House To take a parting glass

For my ship-mates they are ready To row me from the shore
And I'll fight for England's glory In a British Man-of-War

Then he took out his handkerchief And he tore it clean in two
Saying, Take this dearest Susan And I'll do the same by you

When the bullets they surround me And the cannons they do roar
I'll fight for Fame and Susan On a British Man-of-War

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com