A sailor's life, it is a merry life
Leaving them behind to weep and mourn
He robs young girls of their heart's delight
They never know when they will return

My true love he makes the finest show
"Well, there's four and twenty all in a row
He's proper, tall, genteel withal
And if I don't have him, I'll have none at all"
"Oh, father build for me a bonny boat

That on the wide ocean I may float

When a Queen's ship they chanced to meet

There I'll inquire for my sailor boy"
And every Queen's ship that we pass by
They had not sailed long upon the deep
Does my sweet William sail among your crew'"
"You sailors all, pray tell me true

"Oh no, fair maiden, he is not here
For he's been drownded, we greatly fear
On yon green island, as we passed it by
There we lost sight of your sailing boy"

And her little boat against a rock did run
She was like a young girl in great despair
Well, she rung her hands and she tore her hair
"How can I live now' My sweet William is gone

*** Complimentary A Sailor's Life Ringtone ***

Return to Fairport Convention Lyrics »

Official Fairport Convention Tablature & Sheet Music»

Fairport Convention - "A Sailor's Life" lyrics