Jack the Sailor (Jackie Monroe)

There was a silk merchant
In London town did dwell,
He had one only danghter,
And the truth to you I'll tell.
Sing lili, lili, O, O lili, lili, O

This young lady she was courted
By men of high degree;
There was none but Jack the sailor
Would ever do for she.

As soon as her waiting-maid
Heard what she did say,
She went unto her father
With her heart content.

Dcar daughter, if this be true
What I have heard of you,
It's Jackie shall be vanished
And you confined shall be.

This body you may have,
My heart you can't confine;
There's none but Jack the sailor
That can have this heart of mine.

Poor Jackie, he's gone sailing
With trouble on his mind,
A-leaving of his country
And darling girl behind.

Poor Jackie, he's gone sailing,
His face we shall see no more.
He's landed at San Flanders
On the dismal sandy shore.

She went into the tailor shop
And dressed in men's array,
And went into a vessel
To convey herself away.

Before you step on board, sir,
Your name I'd like to know.
She smiled all over her countenance
"They call me Jack Monroe."

Your waist is light and slender,
Your fingers neat and small,
Your cheeks too red and rosy
To face the cannon ball.

I know my waist is ligbt and slender,
My fingers are neat and small,
But I never change my countenance
To face the cannon ball.

The wars heing over,
She hunted all around
Among the dead and wounded,
And her darling boy she fonnd.

She picked him all up in her arms
And carried him to the town,
And sent for a physician
Who quickly healed his wounds.

This couple they got married,
So well did they agree.
This couple they got married,
And why not you and me?

From English Folk Songs From the Southern Appalachians, Sharp
See also JACKAROE
DT #331
Laws N7
play.exe JACKSAIL.2
RG