The Treacherous Seas of Cathay

I promised her rings for her fingers
Sparkling flowers for her flaxen hair
I swore that I'd never
Set sail in foul weather
But stay by her side at the shore

Fare thee well oh you Barbary merchants
Fare thee well to the Spanish blockade
Fare thee well to the straits of Gibraltar
And thee treacherous seas of Cathay

I gave her my word to be married
And took her sweet vow in return
I swore that I'd never
Set sail in foul weather
But stay by her side at the shore

Fare thee well oh you Barbary merchants
Fare thee well to the Spanish blockade
Fare thee well to the straits of Gibraltar
And thee treacherous seas of Cathay

I built her a cottage in Chatham
Gave her children to sit by the fire
I swore that I'd never
Set sail in foul weather
But stay by her side at the shore

Fare thee well oh you Barbary merchants
Fare thee well to the Spanish blockade
Fare thee well to the straits of Gibraltar
And thee treacherous seas of Cathay

But our cottage is too small for a sailor
Without the blue sea and the sky
Though I swore that I'd never
Set sail in foul weather
I left her behind at the shore

Take me back oh you Barbary merchants
Let me risk the Spanish blockade
Carry me to the straits of Gibraltar
And the treacherous seas of Cathay