On Board A '98
Collected: Kings Lynn Union Workhouse, Mr Leatherday, Monday 9th January 1905
When I was young and in my prime, I drove a roaring trade,
And many a sly trick have I played on many a pretty maid. My parents saw that would not do I soon should spend their store; So they resolved that I should go on board a man-of-war. A bold press-gang surrounded me, their warrant they did show, They felt that I was go to sea and face the daring foe. Then as off they lugged me to the boat, it was then I cursed my fate! For then I found that I should float on board a “98”. And when I put my foot on board, how I began to stare! For our Admiral, he gave the word, “There is no time to spare.” They weighed their anchor, shook out sail, and off they bore me straight To face the foe in storm and gale on board a “98”. But as times fled, I bolder grew and hardened was to war. I'd run aloft with my ship's crew and valued not a scar. And right well I did my duty do till I got bosun's mate, And bless me, soon got bosun too on board a “98”. So now I can my cocoa take, my pouch with 'bacco stored. In my blue coat and my three-cocked hat I am as happy as a Lord, Cause I've done my duty, I served my King, and now I bless my fate. But bless me, I'm too old to sing. I'm nearly 98. |
Images: LuminArt Photography
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Folk Musician, Sam Kelly, has covered a version of On Board a '98:
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Ralph Vaughan Williams, Rhapsody No. 1
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