American Old Time Song Lyrics: 07 A Yankee Man Of War
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 7
A YANKEE MAN OF WAR
It was down in yonder meadow I carelessly did stray,
There I beheld a lady fair, with some young sailor gay;
Says he, " my pretty Susan, I soon must leave the shore,
To cross the briny ocean in a Yankee Man o' War."
Young Susan fell a weeping, "young sailor," she did say,
"How can you be so venturesome, to throw yourself away;
For by the time I'm twenty-one I shall receive my store.
Jolly sailor, do not venture in a Yankee Man o' War."
"Oh, Susan, lovely Susan, the truth to you I'll tell,
Proud Mexico insulted us, America knows it well;
I may be crowned with laurels, just like a jolly tar,
And I'll face the shores of Mexico, in a Yankee Man o' War."
"How can you be so venturesome, to face those Mexicans,
For when they're far in battle, love, they never take a man.
And by a bloody dagger you might receive a scar;
So turn your inclination from a Yankee Man o' War."
"Oh, Susan, lovely Susan, the time will quickly pass,
Let's go down to yonder ferry-house and take a parting glass;
My shipmates they are waiting to row me from the shore,
And it's for America's glory, in a Yankee Man o' War."
The sailor took his handkerchief and tore it into two,
Saying, " Susan, you may keep one half, the other I'll keep for you;
When bullets may surround me and the cannons loudly roar,
I'll flght for pretty Susan, in a Yankee Man o' War."