The Yankee Man-Of-War

Down in yonder valley, where I carelessly did stray
I overheard a sailor unto his love did say,
Susie, lovely Susie, I soon must leave this shore,
To fight against Jefferson Davis on the Yankee Man-of War."

"Oh Johnny dear, oh Johnny, do not go away from me!
The rebels are as treacherous as any men can be,
With some deadly weapon you may receive a scar
Johnny, do not venture on the Yankee Man-of-War!"

"Susie, lovely Susie, the truth to you I'll tell
The Stars and Stripes are unfaded, us Yankees know it well,
I might be crowned with glory, just like a gallant tar
A-facing the foe, the rebel, on the Yankee Man-of-War."

"I've fought through many a battle where shots and shells did fly,
I've fought through many a battle where many a soldier lie,
I've fought through many a battle where cannon loud did roar,
I have fit against Jefferson Davis on the Yankee Man-of-War."

Pulling out a handkerchief, then tearing it in two
Saying," Here is one half of it, the same I'll give to you
The shots may fly around me, cannon loud may roar
I can fight against Jefferson Davis on the Yankee Man-of-War."

A few more words together, then he let go her hand;
The jolly crew's aboard the boat, so merrily left th land.
The sailor waved his handkerchief so far away from shore,
And Susie blessed her sailor on the Yankee Man-of-War."

From Folk Songs of the Catskills, Cazden, Haufrecht, Studer.
Collected from George Edwards
RG