This dirty town has been my home
since last time I was sailing,
But I’ll not stay another day,
I’d sooner go out whaling,

Oh lord above, send down a dove
with wings as sharp as razors,
To cut the throats of them there blokes
what sells bad beer to sailors!

Paid off m’ ‘score’ and then ashore,
m’ money soon was flying,
With Judy Lee upon my knee
and in my ear she’s lying.

With m’ new-found friends, m’ money spends,
just as fast as winking,
But when I make to clear the slate
the landlord says: “Keep drinking!”

With m’ payoff gone, m’ clothes in pawn
and Judy set for leaving,
Six months’ of pay’s gone in three days
but Judy isn’t grieving.

When the crimp comes round I’ll take his pound
and his hand I’ll be shaking,
Tomorrow morn’ sail for The Horn
just as the dawn is breaking

For one last trip from port I’ll ship
but next time back I’m swearing,
I’ll settle down in my home town,
no more I’ll go seafaring.