The version in hugill’s book vary’s a little from this one, but the folk tradition is full of poetic
licence and words and style will alter some over the years, but as long as it is related to the real thing,
there is no real harm done.
A Pure Halyard Shanty
Oh', the Alabama's keel was laid,
Roll Alabama, roll,
'twas laid in the yard of Johnathon laird,
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
'Twas laid in the yard of johnathon laird,
Roll Alabama, roll,
'twas laid in the town of Birkenhead
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
Oh way down the Mersey she rolled one then,
Roll Alabama, roll,
Liverpool fitted her with guns and men,
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
From the western isles she sailed forth,
Roll Alabama, roll,
To destroy the commerce of the north
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
To Cherbourg port we sailed one day,
Roll Alabama, roll,
To take our count of prize money,
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
Many a sailor lad he saw his doom,
Roll Alabama, roll,
When the kearsarge she hove in view,
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
'till a ball from the forward pivot that day,
Roll Alabama, roll,
shot the alabama's stern away,
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
Off the three mile limit in sixty-five,
Roll Alabama, roll,
The Alabama went to her watery grave,
Oooh, roll Alabama, roll.
Courtesy of The Foc's'le Firkins
Copyright© 2005 The Windjammers and Myst3ryKreations
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