Old Barnaby

(Verse 1)

I stumbled off the jetty with a bottle in my hand,

The foulest-smelling sailor to ever walk the land!

I found a tavern beauty with a rolling, wicked eye,

She promised me her favors till the keg was running dry!

(Chorus)

I never seen the like since I was born,

A big buck Chinaman with his sea-boots on!

I kissed on my lass and I gave her me poke,

Til she ran off with Barnaby, that ugly drunken bloke!

(Verse 2)

The Gunner’s got a wooden leg and Barnaby’s got none,

But he’s got a way with ladies when the drinking has begun!

I turned to grab a refill and I turned to pay the score,

And found them both a-knocking knees behind the cellar door!

(Chorus)

I never seen the like since I was born,

A big buck Chinaman with his sea-boots on!

I kissed on my lass and I gave her me poke,

Til she ran off with Barnaby, that ugly drunken bloke!

(Verse 3)

Old Barnaby’s a scoundrel with a face like rotting bait,

He smells of salted herring and he’s always coming late!

But the lassie didn't mind it when he offered her a dram,

She traded in my diamond for a slice of Barnaby’s ham!

(Chorus)

I never seen the like since I was born,

A big buck Chinaman with his sea-boots on!

I kissed on my lass and I gave her me poke,

Til she ran off with Barnaby, that ugly drunken bloke!

(Verse 4)

I chased 'em through the market and I chased 'em through the square,

I found 'em in a haystack with some chickens in their hair!

She yelled, "He’s got a bigger ship and better-fitting sails!"

While Barnaby just cackled like a bucket full of snails!

(Chorus)

I never seen the like since I was born,

A big buck Chinaman with his sea-boots on!

I kissed on my lass and I gave her me poke,

Til she ran off with Barnaby, that ugly drunken bloke!

(Verse 5)

Now Barnaby is laughing with my silver in his fist,

While I’m left with a headache and a girl I never kissed!

I’ll find him in the scuppers or I’ll find him in the hold,

And kick his hairy backside till his ancestors grow cold!

(Chorus)

I never seen the like since I was born,

A big buck Chinaman with his sea-boots on!

I kissed on my lass and I gave her me poke,

Til she ran off with Barnaby, that ugly drunken bloke