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Our Captain Calls

This song was collected from Somerset, England.
The tune, from southern England, was later adapted (pronounced: stolen) by Vaughan Williams and used as a hymn tune.


    Our captain calls all hands,
    To sail tomorrow,
    Leaves many a fair pretty girl
    In grief and sorrow.
    What makes you go abroad,
    Fighting for strangers,
    When you could stop at home,
    Free from all dangers.

    When I had gold in store,
    You did invite me.
    Now that I'm low and poor
    You seems to slight me.
    Dry off your brandy tears,
    And leave off weeping,
    For happy shall we be
    At our next meeting.

    You courted me a while
    Just to deceive me.
    Now my heart you have gained,
    You mean to leave me,
    Saying there's belief in man,
    Not my own brother,
    So girls, if you can love,
    Love one another.


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