Classic Poem

As I was walking down Paradise Street,
Way, ay, — blow the man down!
A saucy young clipper I happened to meet,
Give me some time to blow the man down!

Her flag was three colors, her masts they were low,
She was round in the counter and bluff in the bow.

I dipped her my ensign, a signal she knew,
For she backed round her mainyards and hove herself to.

I hailed her in English, she answered " Aye, aye! "
She was from the Blue Water and bound for Tiger Bay.

I passed her my hawser and took her in tow,
And yardarm to yardarm away we did go.

We tossed along gaily, both friskly and fleet,
Way ay, blow the man down!
Till she dropped her bow anchor, 'twas in Avon Street,
Give me some time to blow the man down!