The Cruel Ships' Captain

Lyrics for The Cruel Ships' Captain

One day this poor boy to me was bound apprentice Because of his being fatherless; I took him out of St. James' Workhouse His mother being in deep distress I took him out of St. James' Workhouse His mother being in deep distress One day this poor boy unto me offended But nothing to him I did say; Up to the main-mast shroud I sent him And there I kept him all that long day All with my garling-spikk I misused him So shamefully I can't deny; All with my marling-spike I gagged him Because I could not bear his cry His face and his hands to me expanded His legs and his thighs to me likewise; And by my barbarous cruel entreatment This very next day this poor boy died I asked my men if they'd release (?) me If I'd give them golden store Out of my cabin straightway they hauled me A prisoner brought me on Bristol shore And now in Newdigate I am confined The writ of death I do deserve; If I had been ruled by my servants This poor boy's life might have been preserved You captains all throughout this nation Hear a voice and a warning take by me Take special care of your apprentice While you are on the raging sea