Farewell, my dearest Nancy,
Since I must now leave you;
Unto the salt seas
I am bound for to go;
But let my long absence
Be no trouble to you,
For I shall return
In the spring, as you know.
Like some pretty little sea boy,
I will dress and go with you;
In the deepest of danger,
I shall stand your friend;
In the cold stormy weather,
When the winds are a blowing;
My dear, I shall be willing
To wait on you then.
Your pretty little hands,
Can't handle our tackle,
And your pretty little feet
On our top mast can't go;
And the cold stormy weather,
Love, you ne'er can endure,
Therefore, dearest Nancy,
To the seas do not go.
So farewell, my dearest Nancy,
Since I must now leave you;
Unto the salt seas
I am bound for to go,
Where the winds do blow high
And the seas loud do roar;
So may yourself contented;
Be kind and stay on shore.