I once was a rakish young fellow
I never took care of my life
I have sailed the ocean all over
And found in each port a fresh wife
And now that the wars are all over
And I'm landed safe on the shore
It's God bless me forever and ever
If I go to sea once more
I have sailed through stormy weather
I have travelled through hot and through cold
I have ventured my life on the ocean
I have ventured for honour and gold
I'll send for my friends and relations
I'll send for them every one
And it's all for to make them right welcome
I'll send for a cask of good rum
I'll send for a cask of good rum boys
And two or three barrels of beer
It's done for to make them all welcome
And to meet me at Derrydown fair
When that I'm dead and I'm buried
And past all the troubles of life
Let there be no sighing and sobbing
But do a good turn for my wife
Let there be no sighing and sobbing
But one single favour I crave
Wrap me up in the tarpaulin jacket
And fiddle and dance o'er my grave
There shall be such laughing and joking
Like so many men going mad
They shall take a gla** over my coffin
Saying there goes a true-hearted lad