A Yankee Man Of War - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
A YANKEE MAN OF WAR 
It was down in yonder meadow I carelessly did stray, There I beheld a lady fair, with some young sailor gay; Says he, " my pretty Susan, I soon must leave the shore, To cross the briny ocean in a Yankee Man o' War." 
Young Susan fell a weeping, "young sailor," she did say, "How can you be so venturesome, to throw yourself away; For by the time I'm twenty-one I shall receive my store. Jolly sailor, do not venture in a Yankee Man o' War." 
"Oh, Susan, lovely Susan, the truth to you I'll tell, Proud Mexico insulted us, America knows it well; I may be crowned with laurels, just like a jolly tar, And I'll face the shores of Mexico, in a Yankee Man o' War." 
"How can you be so venturesome, to face those Mexicans, For when they're far in battle, love, they never take a man. And by a bloody dagger you might receive a scar; So turn your inclination from a Yankee Man o' War." 
"Oh, Susan, lovely Susan, the time will quickly pass, Let's go down to yonder ferry-house and take a parting glass; My shipmates they are waiting to row me from the shore, And it's for America's glory, in a Yankee Man o' War." 
The sailor took his handkerchief and tore it into two, Saying, " Susan, you may keep one half, the other I'll keep for you; When bullets may surround me and the cannons loudly roar, I'll flght for pretty Susan, in a Yankee Man o' War."