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Title
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Johnny, the ship's carpenter
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Singer
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Unknown
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
In Gosport Town a fair damsel did dwell,
For wit and for beauty none could her excel;
'Tis of a young man courted her for his dear,
And he was by trade a ship's carpenter.
Verse 2
The King wanted some sailors to go on the sea,
Which made this young damsel to sigh and to say -
'Oh, Johnny, Oh, Johnny, pray don't go to sea!
Remember the vow that you gave unto me.'
Verse 3
'Twas early next morning, before it was day,
He came to his Polly and thus he did say -
'Oh, Polly, Oh, Polly, you must go with me,
Before we are married, my friends for to see.'
Verse 4
He led her through woods and valleys so deep,
He made this young damsel to sigh and to weep -
'Oh, Johnny, Oh, Johnny, you've led me astray,
Intending my life, my sweet life to destroy.'
Verse 5
'Oh, Polly, Oh, Polly, true words you have said,
For all the last night I was digging your grave.
Oh, Polly, Oh, Polly, there's no time to stand.'
He took a long, large knife in his hand.
Verse 6
'Oh, Johnny, Oh, Johnny, Oh pardon my life,
I'll never covet to be thy wedded wife;
I'll ramble the country and set thee quite free,
If thou wilt pardon my baby and me.'
Verse 7
'No pardon I'll give,' he replied, 'for my part,'
He stabbed her, he stabbed her, he stabbed her to the heart;
All from her left bosom the blood it did flow,
Then into the grave her fair body he threw.
Verse 8
He covered her up, so safe and secure,
That the murder could never be found he was sure;
He went on board ship to sail the world round,
Thinking this vile murder would never be found.
Verse 9
'Twas early one morning before it was day,
Our captain came to us and thus he did say -
'A murder on board has lately been done;
Our ship is in mourning, we cannot sail on.'
Verse 10
The up stepped the first seaman - 'Indeed it's not me,'
Then up spoke the second, the same he did say;
Then up came young Johnny to stamp and to swear,
'Indeed it's not me sir, I vow and declare.'
Verse 11
But while he was turning from the captain with speed,
He met his dear Polly, and she made his heart bleed;
She ripped him, she stripped him, and tore him in three,
Because he had murdered her baby and she.
