this was the happiest period in his life...
Singer:fairport convention
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
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
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
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong
k's for the knighthead where our petty officer stands
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong
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
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
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
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong
v's for the vangs running from the main gaff
we're on a pint and a pound
and x marks the spot where old stormies had drowned
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong
z's also for zero in the cold winter time
and now we have brought all the letters in rhyme
no mortal on earth like a sailor at sea
give a sailor his grog and there's nothing goes wrong
but the sea's without a ripple
and the sea can't use a cripple
you're turning around your fate again
you're turning around your fate again
john lee's been made a freeman
but his flesh won't make a sailor
that's ringing for his labour
you're turning around your fate again
you're turning around your fate again
we think things must get better
miss keyes has sent a letter
you're turning around your fate again
you're turning around your fate again