Ship's Carpenter- William Tucker (Som) 1907 Sharp
[From: Cecil Sharp Manuscript Collection (at Clare College, Cambridge) (CJS2/9/1171). Similar to the broadside 'Polly's Love."
R. Matteson 2016]
Ship's Carpenter- Sung by William Tucker of Ashcott, Somerset in January 15, 1907. Collector: C. J. Sharp
1. In Dorsetshire's a city, in Dorsetshire, said she
There was a young girl a-grooming for me
A young man he courted her a-for to be his bride
And lived by his trade of a ship's carpenter.
2. One morning it was early, before it was day,
He went unto his Polly, those words to her did say:
"O Polly, O Polly will you go along with me,
Before we are married our friends for to see."
3. He led her through valleys and groves so deep
Which caused this young damsel to sigh and to weep;
"O William, O William you have been leading me astray
On purpose my innocent life to be betrayed."
4. "That is true, that is true," those words you did say,
For I've been all this long night a-digging of your grave,"
The grave is opened and a spade is standing by,
Which caused this young damsel to sigh and to cry.
5. "Oh pardon, oh pardon, oh, pardon my life,
I do not covet for to be thy wife,
I'll travel the country to set thee quite free,
Oh pardon, oh pardon, my baby and me."
6. "No pardon, no pardon, there's no time to stand,
That he had a long knife all into his hand,"
He press 'un into her heart[1] until the blood it did flow
And into the grave her poor body were throwed.
7. He covered her over so safe and secure,
Thinking this poor girl would be found nevermore,
He went the captain, for to sail the world all 'round,
Before this young murder ever should be found.
8. One morning 'twas early before it was day,
Our captain came to us, these words he did say:
"There's murderer on board and he must be found,
For our ship she's in mourning, she won't sail 'round."
9. Up stepped[2] one, and "Indeed it's not me."
Up stepped another, the same he did say,
Up stepped young William, to stamp and to swear.
"Indeed it's not me, I vow and declare."
10. He made away from his captain which he made away with speed,
He met his dear Polly, which made his heart bleed.
She rent him, she tored him, she tored him in three
Because he had murdered her baby and she.
1. MS unclear
2, sung "stop"