The Whalemans Lament

[Verso 1]
 
C                                               G 
Twas on the briny ocean, on a whale ship I did go. 
G                                                              C 
Oft' times thought of distant friends, oft' times I thought of home. 
C                                                         G 
Rememb'ring of my youthful days, it grieves my heart full sore 
G                                                C 
And feign I would return again to my home native shore. 
 


[Verso 2]
 
C                                               G 
Though dreary, discontented, I then resolved to go 
G                                                 C 
My fortunes on the seas to find, to ease me of my woe. 
C                                              G 
I shipped aboard a whaleship to sail without delay 
G                                          C 
To the Pacific Ocean, there for a while to stay. 
 


[Verso 3]
 
C                                                         G 
Through dreary storms and tempest and through some steady gales 
G                                                     C 
Around Cape Horn we made our way on lookout for sperm whales. 
C                                                   G 
They will use you,they will rob you; worse than any slaves. 
G                                                  C 
Before you go a-whaling, boys, you best be in your graves. 
 


[Verso 4]
 
C                                         G 
If ever I return again, a solemn vow I'll make 
G                                      C 
I'll never go a-whaling, my liberty to stay. 
C                                          G 
I'll stay at home contented, never venture far. 
G                                                            C 
But the pleasures are but few, my boys, far from your native shore.