Andy Bardean- Wakefield (OR-UT) 1889 Hubbard
[From: Ballads and Songs from Utah by Lester Hubbard; 1961. His notes follow.
R. Matteson 2013]
Milas E. Wakefield of Ogden, who sang this ballad, Aug. 12, 1948, said he learned it as "Andy Bardean" from Arlie Day at a sawmill in Fluntington Canyon in 1889.
Andy Bardean- Milas E. Wakefield 1889; learned in Utah in 1889
1. Three loving brothers from old Scotland,
Three loving brothers were they,
They all cast lots to see which would go
A-robbing all on the salt sea.
2. The lot it fell to young Andy Bardean,
The youngest one of the three,
To maintain himself and his brothers too
He went robbing all on the salt sea.
3. He had not sailed scarce three cold winters' nights
When a ship he did espy,
Sailing far off, a-sailing far off,
And at length it came sailing close by.
4. "Who's there, who's there?" cried Andy Bardean;
Who's there that sails so nigh?"
"We're three merchant vessels from old England shore.
Won't you please to let us pass by?"
5. "Oh no, oh no," said Andy Bardean,
"Such a thing as that never could be,
For I'll take your ship and your cargo, boys,
But your bodies I'll sink in the sea."
6. Then broadside to broadside the two vessels sailed,
And cannons did loudly roar
Until Andy Bardean gained the victory,
And the rich merchant vessel gave o'er.
7. The news soon reached to the ears of the king,
Young Alfred then wore the crown.
He said, "Is there anyone here I can find
That will run young Andy Bardean down?"
8. "Go build me a ship," said Captain Charles Stewart;
"Go build it strong and sure,
And if I don't bring in that young Andy Bardeen,
My life I'll no longer endure."
9. The ship it was ricketed and ready for sail
With guns and men galore,
And one cold, frosty morning the anchor she weighed
And sailed from old England shore.
10. They had not sailed scarce three cold winter nights
When a ship he did espy,
Sailing far off, sailing far off,
And at length it came sailing close by.
11. "Who's there, who's there?" cried Captain Charles Stewart,
"Who's there that sails so nigh?"
"We're three bold robbers from old Scotland shore:
Won't you please to let us pass by?"
12. "Oh no, oh no!" cried Captain Charles Stewart,
"Such a thing as that never could be,
For I'll sink your ship and your cargo, boys,
But your bodies I'll carry with me."
13. Then broadside to broadside the two vessels sailed,
And cannons did loudly roar
Till Captain Charles Stewart was forced to give up,
And he sailed for Old England shore.
14. "Go back, go back," cried Andy Bardean,
"And tell your king for me
That he may reign king over the dry land,
But I shall reign king on the sea."