It was of a fair and pretty maid
She was in her tender care
She dearly lov'd a sailor
It was true she lov'd him well
And how to get to sea with him
She did not like why know
But she long'd to see that seaport town
Call'd Canadee-i-o

She bargain'd with a young sailor
All for a piece of gold
And straightway he led her
All down into the hold
Saying, 'I will dress you up in sailor's clothes
Your collar shall be blue
And you shall see that seaport town
Call'd Canadee-i-o

Now when the sailors heard of it
They fell into a row
And all the whole ship's company
Were willing to engage
'We'll tie her hands and feet, my boys,
And overboard we'll throw
She never will see that seaport town
Call'd Canadee-i-o

Now when the captain heard of this
He too fell into a rage
Say, 'If you drown that fair maid
All hanged you will be
I will dress her up in sailor's clothes
Her collar will be blue
And she will see that seaport town
Call'd Canadee-i-o

She had not been in Canada
Scarcely above half a year
She married this bold captian
Who call'd her his dear
She's dress'd in silks and satins now
She cuts a galliant show
She's the finest captain's lady
In Canadee-i-o

Now come all you fair and pretty maids
Wherever you may be
I will have you follow your true love
When he goes out to sea
If the sailors they prove false to you
The captain he'll prove true
You can see the honour that I have gain'd
By wearing of the blue

abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Stubbs, K (1970) The Life of a Man London, E.F.D.S. Publications

Notes:
Collected from Harry Upton in 1963. 'Born 1900. He is a cowman who lives in Balcombe, Sussex'

Roud: 309 (Search Roud index at VWML) Take Six
Laws:
Child: