Barrett's Privateers lyrics

Well, the year was 1778

How I wish I was in... now!

When a letter of marque was sent by the king

To the scummiest vessel I’ve ever seen

(REF:)

God damn them all

I was told we’d sail the seas

For American gold

We’d fire no guns, she'd no tears

I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier

The last of Barrett’s Privateers

‘Twas then ‘Sid Barrett cried the town

How I wish I was in... now!

For twenty man, all fisherman who

Would make for him the Antelope crew

(REF)

Now, the Antelope’s sloop was a sickening sight

I wish I was in... now!

With a list to port and ‘er sails in rags

And the cook in the scuppers with the staggers and jags

(REF)

On the kings birthday we sailed away

I wish I was in... now!

When a great big Yankee hovered in sight

With our cracked four-pounders we made to fight.

(REF)

The Yankee lay low down with gold

I wish I was in … now!

She was low and fat and loose stays

But to catch her took the Antelope three whole days

(REF)

But at length we stood two cables away

I wish I was in… now!

Our cracked four-pounders made an awful din

But with one fat ball the Yank’ stove us in

(REF)

Well, the Antelope shook and fetched on our side

I wish I was in … now!

Barrett was smashed like a bowl of eggs

And the main track took away both my legs

(REF)

So, here I lay on my twenty-fifth year

I wish I was in… now!

Six years since we sailed away

But I just made Halifax yesterday

(REF)

(REF 2:)

God damn them all

I was told we’d sail the seas

For American gold

We’d fire no guns, she'd no tears

I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier

Sailed the seas for many a long year

You’ll never find a better man far or near

I’m a last of Barrett’s Privateers

• Artist:The Corries