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On Board a 98

from Isolation Sessions #2 by Piers Cawley

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about

From the singing of Peter Bellamy. Pete used to open his sets with this to blow the cobwebs away. I hope it does the same for you.

lyrics

When I was young and scarce eighteen
I drove a roaring trade
And many’s the sly trick have I played
On many’s the pretty maid
But my parents saw it would not do
I soon would spend their store
So they resolved that I should go
On board a man of war

Well a bold press gang surrounded me
And their warrants they did show
They swore that I should go to see
And face a daring foe
So it’s off they dragged me to the boat
And there I cursed my fate
It’s there I found that I should float
On board a 98

When first I put my foot on board
How I did stamp and stare
But our admiral he gave the word
There is no time to spare
So we raised our anchors shook out sails
And off they bore me straight
To fight the French in storm and gale
On board a 98

Well as time fled I bolder grew
I hardened was to war
I could run aloft with my ship’s crew
And value not a scar
And so well I did my duty do
That I got Bos’un mate
And, blast me! Soon got bos’un too
On board a 98

Well the years rolled by and at Trafalgar
Brave Nelson he fought and fell
And when they capsized that hardy tar
I took a rap as well
So to Greenwich College I came back
Because I’d saved my pate
They’d only knocked a wing of Jack
On board a 98

So now I can my cocoa take
My pouch with baccy’s stored
In my blue coat and three-cocked hat
I’m happy as a lord
For I’ve done my duty, served my king
And now I bless my fate
But, blast me, I’m to old to sing
I’m nearly 98!

credits

from Isolation Sessions #2, released September 4, 2020
Trad arr. Cawley

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all rights reserved

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about

Piers Cawley Doncaster, UK

A singer for as long as he can remember, Piers (he/they) sings Old Songs with a clarity and conviction that makes them as fresh as paint.

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