Off To Sea - The Longest Johns

When first I landed in Liverpool, I went upon the spree

With money at last, I spent it fast, I got drunk as drunk could be

But when my money was all gone, it was then that I wanted more

But a man must be blind to make up his mind to go to sea once more

Once more, once more, go to sea once more

But a man must be blind to make up his mind to go to sea once more

And as I walked down London Road I met with a Rapper Brown

I asked him if he’d take me in and he looked at me with a frown

He said: «Last time you was paid off, to me you chalked no score

But I’ll give you a chance and I’ll take your advance

And I’ll send you to sea once more.»

Once more, once more, send you to sea once more

But I’ll give you a chance and I’ll take your advance

And I’ll send you to go to sea once more

I shipped on board of a whaling barque, we were bound for the Greenland seas

Where cold winds blow through frost and snow, why Jamaica rum would freeze

And worst to bear, I’d no hard weather gear, as I’d spent all my money ashore

It was then that I wished that I was dead and could go to sea no more

No more, no more, go to sea no more

It was then that I wished that I was dead and could go to sea no more

Some times we’re catching whales, my lads, some times we’re catching none

With a twenty-foot oar stuck in your paw, from four o’clock in the morn

And as the shades of night roll on and you rest on your weary oar

It was then that I wished that I was dead and could go to sea no more

No more, no more, go to sea no more

It was then that I wished that I was dead and could go to sea no more

So come all of you hard weather sailing lads, who listen to my song

When you get back from those long trips, I’d have you not go wrong

Take my advice, drink no strong drink, don’t you knock on that brothel door

But get married instead and spend all night in bed, and go to sea no more

No more, no more, go to sea no more

But get married instead and spend all night in bed, and go to sea no more

No more, no more, go to sea no more

But get married instead and spend all night in bed, and go to sea no more