Distressed Men

Says Jack, "there is very good news,
there is peace by both land and sea.
Great guns no more shall be used,
for we all disbanded must be."

Says the admiral, "that's very bad news."
Says the captain, "my heart it will break."
The lieutenant cries "what shall I do?
For I know not what course for to take."

Says the purser, "I'm a gentleman born;
mi coat is linèd with gold
and my chest is full of the same
by cheatin' a sailor so bold."

Says the doctor, "I'm gentleman too,
I'm a gentleman of the first rank.
I will go to some country fair
and there I'll set up on a bank.

Says the steward, "I'm sorry it's peace,
for I loved my ships as mi life
and by cheatin' of honest Jack tar,
I have plenty a shiner so bright."

Says the carpenter, "I have a chest,
a chest of very good tools.
I will go to some country fair,
and there I'll see three-legged stools."

Says the cook, "I will go to that fair,
and there I will sell all my fat."
Says Jack Tar, "If I should meet ya there,
damn me, I'll pay you for that.

For don't you remember the time
our tops'l stuck close to the tack
and we all stuck fast in the sheet
for want of some of that fat?"

Says the midshipman, "I have no trade.
I have got my trade for to choose.
I will go to St. James Park gate
and there I'll set blacking of shoes.

And there I will set all the day
at everybody's call
And everyone that comes by
'Do you want my nice shining balls?'"

Says Jack, "I will take to the road,
for I'd better do that than do worse.
And everyone that comes by,
I'll cry, 'Damn you, deliver your purse.'"