The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JOHN B. SAILS

WE COME ON THE SLOOP JOHN B., MY GRANDFATHER AND
ME, 'ROUND NASSAU TOWN WE DID ROAM, DRINKIN' ALL NIGHT WE GOT INTO
A FIGHT, I FEEL SO BREAK-UP, I WANT TO GO HOME. (CHORUS) SO HOIST
UP THE JOHN B.'S SAILS, SEE HOW THE MAINSAIL SETS, SEND FOR THE
CAPTAIN ASHORE, LET ME GO HOME. LET ME GO HOME, I WANT TO GO HOME,
I FEEL SO BREAK-UP, I WANT TO GO HOME. WELL THE FIRST MATE HE GOT
DRUNK, AND DESTROYED THE PEOPLE'S TRUNK, AND CONSTABLE COME ABOARD,
TAKE HIM AWAY. SHERIFF JOHNSTONE, LET ME ALONE, I FEEL SO BREAK-UP,
I WANT TO GO HOME. (CHORUS) WELL THE POOR COOK, HE GOT FITS,
THROW AWAY ALL THE GRITS, THEN HE TOOK AND EAT UP ALL OF MY CORN,
LET ME GO HOME, I WANT TO GO HOME, OH, THIS IS THE WORSE TRIP
SINCE I BEEN BORN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974