The Cruel Ship’s Captain Dave Van Ronk

On this page, discover the full lyrics of the song "The Cruel Ship’s Captain" by Dave Van Ronk. Lyrxo.com offers the most comprehensive and accurate lyrics, helping you connect with the music you love on a deeper level. Ideal for dedicated fans and anyone who appreciates quality music.

One day this poor boy to me was bound apprentice
Because of his being fatherless;
I took him out of St. James' Workhouse
His mother being in deep distress
I took him out of St. James' Workhouse
His mother being in deep distress

One day this poor boy unto me offended
But nothing to him I did say;
Up to the main-mast shroud I sent him
And there I kept him all that long day

All with my garling-spikk I misused him
So shamefully I can't deny;
All with my marling-spike I gagged him
Because I could not bear his cry

His face and his hands to me expanded
His legs and his thighs to me likewise;
And by my barbarous cruel entreatment
This very next day this poor boy died

I asked my men if they'd release (?) me
If I'd give them golden store
Out of my cabin straightway they hauled me
A prisoner brought me on Bristol shore

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