Ship Carpenter- David Marlow (Hants) 1906 Gardiner
[From: George Gardiner Manuscript Collection (GG/1/10/565); Notebook No. 8, p. 315.
R. Matteson 2016]
Ship Carpenter- sung by David Marlow of Basingstoke, Hampshire on September, 1906. Collectors: G.B. Gardiner, Charles Gamblin.
In fair Glouchester city in Glochestershire
That a charming young damsel I did behold there
Till a young man he courted her to make his dear
And he was by trade a ship carpenter.
Our Queen wanted seamen to go on the sea
Which caused this young damsel to sigh and to say
Oh William, dear William, don't you go to sea.
You remember the vow that you made to me.[1]
Twas early one morning before it was day,
The captain stepped up, these words he did say:
"There's a murder on board and lately been done.
Our ship lays in mourning, she will not sail on.
Then up stepped one, "Indeed it's not me."
Then up stepped another, the same words did say.
Then up stepped young William, to stamp and to swear.
"Indeed it's not me sir, I vow and declare."
As he was a-turning[2] from the captain with speed,
He met pretty Polly, which made his heart bleed.
She ripped him she stripped him, she tore him in three
Because he had murdered her baby and she.
1. Stanzas that are supposed to follow are missing after this stanza.
2. returning