The Dark Eyed Sailor
Traditional:
courtesy of www.SailorSongs.com
There was a comely young lady fair She was walking out for to take the air
She met a sailor down by the way So I paid attention so I paid attention
To hear what they would say.
2
Said William Lady why main alone The night is coming and the day's near gone
She said, while tears from her eyes did fall It's a dark-eyed sailor it's a dark-eyed sailor
That's proving my downfall
3
Tis three long years since he left the land I took a gold ring from off my hand
We broke the token here's part with me While the other's rolling while the other's rolling
At the bottom of the sea
4
Said William Lady drive him from your mind Some other sailor as good you'll find
Love turns aside and soon cold does grow Like a winter's morning like a winter's morning
When lands are clothed with snow
5
These words did Phoebe's fond heart inflame:
She said On me you shall play no game
She drew a dagger, and then did cry For my dark-eyed sailor for my dark-eyed sailor
A maid I'll live and die
6
His coal-black eyes and his curly hair His pleasing tongue did my heart ensnare
Genteel he was and no rake like you To advise a maiden to advise a maiden
To slight the jacket blue
7
But still said Phoebe I'll ne'er disdain A tarry sailor but treat the same
Go drink his health here's a piece of coin But my dark-eyed sailor but my dark-eyed sailor
Still claims this heart of mine
8
Then half the ring did young William show She seemed distracted 'twixt joy and woe
Says Welcome William I've got lands and gold For my dark-eyed sailor for my dark-eyed sailor
So manly true and bold
9
Now in a village down by the sea They're joined in wedlock and well agree
So maids be true when your love's away
For a cloudy morning for a cloudy morning
Oft brings forth a pleasant day
The author of this website has put a lot of time and effort into gathering the greatest collection of sea shanties for the world to enjoy - There are songs that have been to sung to a job of work at sea for many, many years and collecting them has been a great endeavour. - Roger Chartier has made the effort out of his own interest and the requests that he has gotten to do this work from fellow musicians who wanted a good source of sea shanties to draw on and learn from. He has been told that for this effort he is a remarkable man.
