SPANISH LADIES
(Traditional English Capstan Shanty)

Farewell and adieu to you fine Spanish ladies,
Farwell and adieu all you ladies of Spain;
For we've received orders to sail for old England;
And perhaps we shall never more see you again.

 [bad word] 
We'll rant and we'll roar like [bad word] British sailors,
We'll range and we'll roam over all the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings in the Channel of old England,
From Ushant to Scilly 'tis thirty-five leagues.

Then we hove our ship to, with the wind at sou'-west, my boys, 
Then we hove our ship to, for to strike soundings clear; 
Then we filled the main topsail and bore right away, my boys, 
And straight up the Channel of old England did steer. 

 [bad word] 

So the first land we made it is called the Deadman, 
Next Ram Head off Plymouth, Start, Portland and the Wight; 
We sailed hy Beachy, by Fairly and Dungeness, 
And then bore away for the South Foreland light. 

 [bad word] 

Now the signal it was made for the Grand Fleet to anchor, 
All on the Downs that night for to meet; 
Then stand by your stoppers, see clear your shank-painters, 
Haul all your clew garnets, stick out tacks and sheets. 

 [bad word] 

Now let every man drink up his full bottle, 
Let every man drink up his full bowl; 
For we will be jolly and drown melancholy, 
With a health to each jovial and [bad word] hearted soul. 

 [bad word]