Fairport Convention - This Was the Happiest Period in His Life... lyrics

A's for the anchor that lies at our bow B's for the bowsprit and the jibs all lie low C's for the capstan we all run around D's for the davits to lower the boat down Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong E's for the ensign that at our mast flew F's for the forecastle where lives our crew G's for the galley where the salt junk smells strong And H for the halyards we hoist with a song Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong I's for the eyebolts, no good for the feet J's for the jibs, boys, stand by the lee sheet K's for the knighthead where our petty officer stands L's for the leeside, hard found by new hands Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong M's for the mainmast, it's stout and it's strong N's for the needle that never points wrong O's for the oars of our old jolly boats And P's for the pinnace which lively do float Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong Q's for the quarterdeck where our officer stands R's for the rudder that keeps the ship in command S is for the stunsells that drive her along And T's for the topsail, to get there takes long Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong U's for the uniform, mostly worn aft V's for the vangs running from the main gaff W's for water, we're on a pint and a pound And X marks the spot where old Stormies had drowned Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong Y's for the yardarm, needs a good sailor man Z is for Zoe, and I'm her fancy man Z's also for zero in the cold winter time And now we have brought all the letters in rhyme Merrily, merrily So merry sail we, no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea Heave away, haul away, the ship rolls along Give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong ... John Lee, your headache's growing, the cold wind's blowing But the sea's without a ripple John Lee, your forehead's damp, your muscles cramp And the sea can't use a cripple John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee's been made a freeman, his heart's a seaman But his flesh won't make a sailor Working in a big hotel, waiting for the bell That's ringing for his labour John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, your chances are good, you better touch wood We think things must get better John Lee, you've a friend so true, she wants to help you Miss Keyes has sent a letter John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee "Dear John, come and work at The Glen, just write me when And I'll send someone to meet you" John's gone to where he started from, he's not worked long, just beginning to belong "It hasn't been a very good day, the missus wants to halve my pay Close the door and douse the light, it's quiet at night when he's tucked in tight Sometimes I feel, when they're all in bed, it's almost like the whole world's dead So I lay me down to sleep, I pray thee Lord my soul to keep" John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee