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Wiltshire Community History

Folk Song Information

Book Title

Author

Date

Notes

Song Title	Jolly tar
Roud No.	662
Collected From	Unknown
Location	Unknown
County	Unknown
Collected By	Williams, Alfred
Alternative Title
Tune
Date
Source Primary	WSRO: 2598/36 Packet 5 - Miscellaneous: Williams, A: MS collection No Mi 614
Source Secondary	Unpublished
Recording

Song Lyrics
Verse 1 Once I courted a pretty girl, I loved her passing well, Before I'd ever seen her face, I wished - I cannot tell. I courted her three years I'm sure, What could a poor young man do more? My parents they persuaded me, To sail in a man of war. Verse 2 As I was going down Plymouth street, The weather being cold, A jolly tar I chanced to meet, He looked both brave and bold. I said, 'Jolly tar, come, tell to me, What living thou cans't get at sea, That I may go along with thee, To sail in a man of war.' Verse 3 'We've bread and cheese and ale that's good, We've peas and pork and other food, I'll dab thy hands in pitch and tar, If thou'lt go with me to sail in a man of war.' Verse 4 As I lay musing in my bed, Not thinking on the morrow, A little before the break of day, It proved to me great sorrow. Our captain came with whip in hand, He whipped me till I could not stand, Now there's neither lord, nor squire brave, Shall, ever, ever me persuade, To go and leave my native home, To sail in a man of war.

Print Song Lyrics

Notes
The unusual varying length of the verses is as given in the manuscript. Transcribed and edited by Chris Wildridge, 2007.