Paul James

Lyrics

The topman and the afterguard (traditional English folk song)

As a topman and an afterguard were walking one day,
Says the afterguard to the topman, I mean for to pray,
It's for the rights of all sailors and the wrongs of all men,
And whatever I do pray for,
You must answer me, Amen.

First I'll pray for the bosun with his little stick,
For he bawls out, All hands boys and gives us a lick,
He strikes many a brave fellow and sends him a-main,
May the devil double triple damn him,
Says the afterguard, Amen.

I'll pray for the purser who gives us to eat,
Spew-burgoo, rank butter and musty horse meat,
With the weevily biscuits while he gets the gain,
May the devil double triple damn him,
Says the afterguard, Amen.

I'll pray for them navy officers they are holding up our due,
We're owed three year’s wages and prize money too,
It's: You can't have it yet Jack, try next voyage again,
May the devil double triple damn him,
Says the afterguard, Amen.

And the last thing I shall pray for it’s a pot of good beer,
For the Lord gave to me the liquor, our spirits to cheer,
And when we have one pot, I wish we had ten,
And we’ll never never want for grog my boys,
Says the afterguard, Amen.