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Black-Eyed Susan 
Black-Eyed Susan 
All in the dawn the fleet lay moored The streamers waving to the wind When Black-eyed Susan came on board Oh where shall I my true love find? Tell me if you're the sailor, tell me true Does my sweet William, does my sweet William Sail among your crew? 
Oh William who high upon the yard Rocked by the billows to and fro, So soon her well-known voice he hears, He sighed and cast his eyes below. The cord glides swiftly through his glowing hands And as quick as lightning, as quick as lightning On the deck he stands. 
"Oh Susan, Susan, lovely dear My vows shall ever true remain, Let me kiss off that falling tear, We only part to meet again Change as ye list she wins my heart shall be A faithful compass, a faithful compass That still points to thee. 
"Oh Susan, Susan, lovely dear My vows shall ever true remain, Let me kiss off that falling tear, We only part to meet again. The noblest captain in the British fleet Might envy William, might envy William's lips Those kisses sweet. 
"Oh, believe not what the landsmen say Who tempt with doubts your constant mind, They'll tell thee sailors when away In every port a mistress find. Yes, do believe them when they tell you so, For thou art present, for thou art present Wheresoe'er I go. 
"If to fair India's coast we sail 
Thine eyes are seen in diamonds bright, Thy breath is Afric's spicy gale, Thy skin as ivory so white. Thus every beauteous object that I view Wakes in my soul, wakes in my soul Some charms of lovely Sue." 
The boatswain gave the dreadful word, Her sails their swelling bosoms spread. No longer can she stay on board, They kissed, she sighed, he hung his head, Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land, "Adieu," she cries. "Adieu," she cries And waves her lily hand. 
DT #672 Laws O28 From Creighton, Maritime Folk Songs collected from Mr. Beton Young, West Pepeswick, NS 1951 SOF oct96