Title: American Old Time Song Lyrics
Subject: Traditional & Folk Music
Author: www.traditionalmusic.co.uk
Keywords: Old time music, American, oldtimey, bluegrass

Shipmates And Messmates - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
SHIPMATES AND MESSMATES. Copyright, 1891, by Francis, Day & Hunter. Written by W. J. Lytton. Composed by Geo. Le Brunn. 
Our ship has just returned from far across the foam. Back to hearts that yearn-back to "Dome Sweet Home!" Faces beam with pleasure, once again to view-Once again to mingle with the boys in blue. But my heart feels sad when I call to mind Mem'ries of the shipmate, left so far behind! I must break the tidings of his wat'ry grave-I must bear his loved ones the message that he gave. 
Refrain. For we were shipmates and messmates afloat and ashore, Shipmates and messmates to plough the sea no more; Friends here below, whether fate smiled or scoffed, Shall we be shipmates, up, up aloft? 
In fancy once again the parting scene I see, Mothers, sweethearts, wives weeping on the quay; I can hear Jack whisp'ring, "Mother, do not fret, I will make a fortune for you and Polly yet!" All went well until the ship was ordered home. Fever took poor Jack-his grave's beneath the foam; Oh, the mem'ry tills me with a choking here. And in vain I try to restrain the falling tear.-Refrain. 
I stood beside him when the end was drawing near. As he took my hand, whisp'ring in my ear: "Go to dear old mother messmate, take her this, Say I sent it for her,-give for me a kiss. To my sweetheart, Poll, this, my medal take, Bid her always wear it, for her lover's sake; And, ere we forever say the last adieu, Just one little keepsake, this ring, dear boy, for you!-Refrain.