American Old Time Song Lyrics: 59 Paul Jones

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 59

PAUL JONES.

An American frigate from Baltimore came,
Her guns mounted forty, the Richard by name;
Went to cruise in the channel of old England,
With a noble commander, Paul Jones was the man.

We had not sailed long, before we did espy
A large forty four, and a twenty close by;
Those two warlike ships, full laden with store,
Our captain pursued to the bold Yorkshire shore.

At the hour of twelve Pierce came alongside.
With a loud speaking trumpet. "Whence came you?" he cried;
"Quick, give me an answer, I hailed you before,
Or this very Instant a broadside I'll pour."

Paul Jones, he exclaimed: "My brave boys, we'll not run,
Let every brave seaman stand close to his gun.!"
When a broadside was fired by these brave Englishmen,
And we, bold buckskin heroes, returned it again.

We fought them five glasses, five glasses most hot.
Till fifty brave seamen lay dead on the spot;
And full seventy more lay bleeding in their gore.
Whilst the Pierce's loud cannon on the Richard did roar.

Our gunner affrighted unto Paul Jones he came,
"Our ship is a sinking, likewise in a flame."
Paul Jones he replied in the height of his pride,
"If we can do no better, well sink alongside."

At length our shot flew so quick they could not stand.
The flag of proud Britain was forced to come down;
The lion bore down, and the Richard did rake.
Which caused the heart of brave Jones to ache.