Song of the Sea- Mrs. W.A. Fisher (MA) 1909 Chapple
[From "Heart Songs, Dear to the American People" by Joseph Mitchell Chapple (1909), p 67; Boston, MA. The suggestion that this version is 100 years old, dating it to 1809, is probably accurate. I assume that this is a rare new England version although the identity of Mrs. W. A. Fisher is unknown.
R. Matteson 2017]
A Song of the Sea- Written from memory by Mrs. W. A. Fisher. Probably 100 years old
1. A sailor's life is a roving life,
It robbed me of my heart's delight,
And caused me to lament and mourn,
And sadly wait his return.
2. Go build me up some little boat,
That I may on the ocean float,
And ev'ry ship that I do pass by,
I will inquire for my sailor boy.
3. I had not sailed far o'er the deep,
Before a large ship I chanced to meet.
I said "Bold Captain, tell me true,
Does my sweet William sail with you?
4. "A deep blue jacket he used to wear,
With rosy cheeks and coal black hair.
His lips were of a velvet fine,
And oft time used to meet with mine."
5 "Oh no, fair maid, he sails not here,
He's drowned in the deep, I fear,
Near that lone island, which you passed by.
You've chanced to lose your sailor boy."
6 She wrung her hands, she tore her hair,
Like some fair maid in deep despair.
Her boat against the rocks she run.
Crying, "Alas, I am undone.
7 "Now, I'll go home and write a song,
I'll write it true, I'll write it long.
On every line I'll shed a tear.
On every verse, "Fare you well, my dear."
8 Go dig my grave both wide and deep,
Place a marble stone at my head and feet.
And, on my breast, a turtle dove,
To show this world, I died for love.