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Oh in 1793, I set out boys from the key. 
I set out with the billy boys crew, 
We set out for wealth and fame 
We did whatever we wanted to,
We set out to make a name,

Oh in 1794, we made some gold but wanted more, 
We’d sank three ships and captured five, 
I’ve been drinking rum and singing shanty songs,
We’re now wanted dead or alive, 
Can’t get any wrest from those navy dogs, 

Oh 1795, we are still wanted dead or alive 
We took a ship that was hauling gold, 
The flag said it was for the Spanish crown, 
But the money was ours and the story never told,
Because we shot half the crew and the other half drown,

Oh in 1796, we ended up too thick in the shit 
A name we had made in three short years, 
The king set a bounty that spread from port to piers 
We had lots of rum and plenty of beers, 
But we couldn’t drink enough to banish our fears

Oh in 1797, this was the year half the crew went to heaven
We had enough gold but wanted more, 
So we set sail again, but our luck ran up, 
We ran into the Spanish crown and were washed ashore 
Pardon my French, but lads we were fucked

Oh in 1798, this was the year they dug me grave,
They put me before 12 honest men,
I knew what I’d done would seal my fate, 
I pleaded for mercy but their will would not bend 
They hung me in September of ninety eight

Traditional maritime sea shanty, baritone male vocal lead with chorus backing, rhythmic rowing tempo, acoustic folk, 18t