(Verse 1)
A is for the Anchor, which lies at our bough,
B is for the Bowsprit, and the jibs all draw now,
C is for the Capstan, we merrily turn round,
D is for the Davits, where the jolly-boat is found.
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
(Verse 2)
E is for the Earings, when the mainsail we reef,
F is for the Foremast, where the lookout gets grief,
G is for the Gaskets, that secure the sail tight,
H is for the Halyards, that we haul with our might.
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
(Verse 3)
I is for the Izel-tree, sharing the strain,
J is for the Jib-boom, out over the main,
K is for the Keelson, the spine of our ship,
L is for the Lanyards, that slide and won't slip.
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
(Verse 4)
M is for the Mainsail, so broad and so wide,
N is for the Navigation, our compass and guide,
O is for the Oars, that we use in the boat,
P is for the Pinnace, the finest afloat.
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
(Verse 5)
Q is for the Quarterdeck, where the officers pace,
R is for the Rigging, all locked in its place,
S is for the Staysail, that catches the gale,
T is for the Topsail, our primary sail.
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
(Verse 6)
U is for the Union, the flag that we fly,
V is for the Vessel, steering under the sky,
W is for the Water, we keep in the cask,
X is for the Cross-trees, a cold, windy task.
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
(Verse 7)
Y is for the Yardarm, where the sailors must go,
Z is for the Zealous crew, hauling below.
Now the alphabet's finished, our ship is put right,
So pass round the grog, boys, and have a good night!
(Chorus)
So merry, so merry, so merry are we,
No mortals on earth are like sailors at sea!
With a heave-ho, hi-ho, the sails let them draw,
And we’ll clear the track for the sailor’s huzza!
