We heard the gun sound one o clock
the gulls flew from the shore
we rolled across the harbour bar
and sailed for Baltimore
the days were fair the seas were calm
we made good speed to West
we scanned the seas for privateers
so we could never rest
*
Our lookout on the masthead stood
and called to us below
I fear I spy a pirate barque
Black colours does it show.
They put a shot across our bows
they ordered us to stand
surrender now your ship to me
you'll never more see land
*
Our captain cried stand fast me lads
make ready for the fray
we'll win the day and take the prize
to fair Americay.
were armed and strong we know no fear
we've taken ships before
so sharpen up your cutlasses
the sea will roll with gore
*
We fired our big guns first
and saw the chainshot rake their decks
the screaming of the wounded
made the hair rise on our necks.
they fired next and carnage wrought
among our steady crew
the seas rocked floating corpses
of the sailors that they slew.
*
Then hand to hand the battle raged
with pistol knife and sword
till our bosun slit their captains throat
and threw him overboard
we took the crew at musket point
and made their barque secure
we worked them with a longtail lash
right down to Baltimore.
*
The pirate crew were took in irons
their barque as booty sold
we shared the prize so dearly won
in bags of Yankee gold
we rigged the ship and bent on sails
and slipped our ropes at dawn
and shipping oil and indigo
set off around cape horn.
*
In battles fray our brave lads killed
will rock in Neptunes arms
and with the seabirds follow us
to save us all from harm
the spirits of our comrades slain
will ever watch their ship
through hells hot fire and battle grim
until the final trip.
*
We rolled her home to Liverpool
with baccy rum and sugar
and back to shore we rowed ourselves
in Brasser Murphys lugger
the bonny girls came down in flocks
both doxy tart and whore
they'll get a little Yankee gold
till its off to sea once more.
©mike locke.
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