The Quaker

Sung by mummers including Freddie James, Roms Williams & G.W. Greening, voices & probably Harry Hawkins, melodeon
Recorded in the Town Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, 14 December 1936; BBC 14289 G 14290.

As printed in the sleeve notes of The Voice of the People Volume 16 Topic Records TSCD666

1 Come all my bold fellows wherever you may be
That has got a mind to cross the salt sea,

2 We'll go on board The Quaker and soon you will find
Our ship she is well rigged and sails like the wind.

3 Our ship's sealed up like waxwork in every degree.
Our ship she is well rigged and fitted for the sea.

4 We're five hundred and fifty bright seamen so bold,
And, by those blooming French dogs, we'll never be controlled.

5 We fought them for hours, till they could no longer stay,
Whjle big guns and small guns sweetly did play.

6 Till the dead lay on our decks, boys, most loud to complain,
And the blood rushed through the scuppers like showers of rain.

7 So now the war is over and homeward we do steer
Unto our wives and sweethearts and the girls we love so dear.

8 And this is my good health, boys, to the girl that shall prove true;
Likewise unto Lord Nelson, the best of all our crew.