The Courting Song

When I was a winsome young lassie,

And life was so careless and free,

I said that I’d wed me a sailor,

And live out my life on the sea.

Chorus:

Oh away, hey, waves roll!

Oh give me a life that is free!

And away, hey, waves roll!

I’ll live out my life on the sea!

First came a young farmer to court me.

He offered me wide, fertile lands.

But I did not want him to touch me.

He had too much dirt on his hands!

Chorus

The next man to come was a shepherd.

He offered me fine, woolly sheep.

But I did not want him to kiss me.

With ewes I’ll not company keep!

Chorus

And then came a middle-aged banker.

He offered me mountains of gold.

But what is the use of a fortune

If your heart is withered and cold?

Chorus

A-courting me next was a chandler.

He offered me passion heartfelt.

But too hot his love was a-burning.

I thought that the poor man would melt!

Chorus

Next day came a baker to court me.

He offered me my daily bread.

But I would not join him in marriage.

I did not want flour in my bed!

Chorus

And then came a weatherworn sailor.

He offered me nothing at all.

He had but a battered old sailboat.

His mast looked near-ready to fall!

Chorus

He said, “I’m not handsome or wealthy,

But my heart is steadfast and true.

If you want your dreams, you must make them,

For no one can give them to you.”

Chorus

So now I’m the wife of a sailor.

My home is the wide, open sea,

Afloat in a trusty old sailboat,

As happy as happy can be.

Chorus

I’m sorry the ending was happy.

I’m sorry that no one has died.

No villages captured or pillaged,

No misery – Please know I tried!

Chorus

Copyright © 2007 by Hilla Hamasdohtor (Pamela A. Wolff)