Classic Poem

1. Shipmates, if you'll listen to me, I'll
2. As I walked down through Chatham Street, A
tell you in my song Of things that happened
fair maid I did meet, Who kindly asked me to
to me When I came home from Hong Kong. — To me
see 'er safe home, She lived on Bleeker Street.
way, you Santy, my dear honey! Oh, you
New York gals, can't they dance the polka!

3 Says I, " My dear young lady,
I'm a stranger here in town!
I left my ship just yesterday
And for Boston I am bound. "

4 " Now, if you'll only come with me,
You can have a treat.
You can have a glass of brandy, dear,
And something nice to eat.

5 " And if you'll only come with me
The distance is not far! "
This fair maid seemed so kind to me
I hailed a passing car.

6 When we got up to Bleeker Street
We stopped at No. 44,
Her " mother " and her " sister " was there
To meet us at the door.

7 When we got inside of the house,
The drinks were passed around.
The liquor was so awful strong
My head went round and round!

8 My lady friend said she'd a brother
Who was then away at sea.
The last time that they heard from him
His ship was at Shanghee.

9 Just before we sat down to eat
We had another drink.
The liquor was so awful strong
I quickly fell asleep.

10 When I awoke next morning,
I had an aching head.
There I was, Jack all alone,
Stark naked in the bed!

11 My gold watch and my pocketbook
And lady friend were gone.
There I was, Jack all alone,
Stark naked in the room.

12 On looking round this little room,
Nothing could I see
But a woman's shift and apron,
Which were no use to me.

13 With a flour barrel for a suit of clothes,
I went down to Cherry Street.
There Martin Churchill took me in
And sent me around Cape Horn.