The King sits in Dunfirmline town, drinking of the blood-red wine

Then up there spoke a bonny boy, sitting at the King's right knee
"Where can I get a steely skipper to sail this might boat of mine'"

"Sir Patrick Spens is the very best seaman that ever sailed upon the sea"
The King has written a broad letter and sealed it up with his own right hand

Sending word unto Sir Patrick to come to him at his command
For I was never a very good seaman, nor ever do intend to be"
"An enemy then this must be who told the lie concerning me
"Last night I saw the new moon clear with the new moon in her hair

And that is a sign since we were born that means there'll be a deadly storm"
They had not sailed upon the deep a day, a day but barely free

When loud and boisterous blew the winds and loud and noisy blew the sea

Then up there came a mermaiden, a comb and glass all in her hand
"Here's to you my merry young men for you'll not see dry land again"

Forty miles off Aberdeen, the waters fifty fathoms deep
"Long may my lady stand with a lantern in her hand
Before she sees my bonny ship come sailing homeward to dry land"
There lies good Sir Patrick Spens with the Scots lords at his feet

*** Complimentary Sir Patrick Spens Ringtone ***

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Fairport Convention - "Sir Patrick Spens" lyrics