American Old Time Song Lyrics: 42 The Jolly Commodore

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 42

THE JOLLY COMMODORE.
Copyright, 1890, by Wm. A. Pond & Co.
Words by Edward Harrigan. Music by Dave Braham.

My dad was a sailor, and commanded a brig,
She was trimmed fore and aft, and quite lady-like in rig;
Oh, I was her cabin boy, though rated like a man,
Like a swan sailed the beauty, Mary Ann.
There I learnt to reef and steer, swab the decks and keep them clear,
Go up aloft to furl a sail, in a hurricane or gale.
Though dangers may surround us, and the breakers they may roar,
That's the life of a jolly Commodore, Heigh-ho!

Chorus.
Then pass around the grog,
Old shipmates, let us keep her rolling,
Pass 'round the grog.
It cheers and warms the heart,
Afloat or ashore.
To the girls that we adore,
That's the life of a jolly Commodore.

When I had turned twenty-one, and was in command,
Oh, I walked the quarter-deck with my telescope in hand;
Then I was the Captain, boys, all bound for Yucatan,
Like a bird flew the beauty, Mary Ann.
I'd a dog, a pig or two, with a cook and jolly crew,
Full complement both night and day, while we were bound away.
Though danger may surround us, and the breakers they may roar,
That's the life of a jolly Commodore, Heigh-ho!- Chorus.

When I left the merchantman, to wear the navy blue
On board a Yankee frigate, the stars and stripes I flew;
Yes, all for the Nation, boys, all for this noble land,
With a tear quit the beauty, Mary Ann.
'Mid the smoke, the shot and shell, oh, where heroes fought and fell,
With Farragnt we cut our wai, down there in Mobile bay.
Though danger may surround us, and the breakers they may roar,
That's the life of a jolly Commodore, Heigh-ho!- Chorus.

Along came promotion, I commanded a fleet;
Yes, I wore stars and bars quite dandified And neat.
Oh, all in my uniform my love tale began,
When I first met my beauty, Mary Ann.
Oh, she is snug and taught, I will tow her into port,
Yes, hand in band, 'gainst wind and tide, I'll bear my sailor bride.
When danger may surround us, and breakers they may roar,
That's the life of a jolly Commodore, Heigh-ho!-Chorus.