I am a sailor, both stout and strong
To a goodly vessel I do belong
Well guard and anchored and well equipped
Sir William Gower and a very fine ship

Our captain in his cabin lay
So prepare yourself and your company"
When a dreadful voice to him did say
"This night with me in the deep you'll be
The sky grew dark and the sea grew still

Though the men were fearful and the air was chill
Saying "Hear me now for I'll not speak again"
And to my sister I gave babies five
Sir William rose to meet his men

"I loved my mother when she was alive
I killed my wife and her children three
So I now must face what has come for me"

And throw me out on the water wide
"You'll lash a timber close to my side
And if I swim then let me be
But if I sink them pray for me"
So we tied his head and we tied his feet
And around his middle a winding sheet

Grew ready for the murderer
At every knot the sea did stir

And then we saw his open grave
The likeness of a single wave
That swept our ship from her stern to her bow
And bore away Sir William Gower

*** Complimentary Sir William Gower Ringtone ***

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Fairport Convention - "Sir William Gower" lyrics