Black-Eyed Susan
(Traditional)



All in the dawn the fleet was moor'd
The streamers waving to the wind
When Black-eyed Susan came on board
Oh where shall I my true love find?
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true
If my sweet William, if my sweet William
Sails among your crew?

Oh William, who high upon the yard
Rocked with the billows to and fro
Soon as her well-known voice he heard
He sigh'd and cast his eyes below
The cord slides swiftly thro' his glowing hands
And as quick as lightning, and as quick as lightning
On the deck he stands

So sweet the lark, high poised in air
Shuts close his pinions to his breast
If, chance, his mate's shrill voice he hear
And drops at once into her nest
The noblest captain in the British fleet
Might envy William, might envy William's
Lip those kisses sweet

'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, ye winds, my heart shall be
The faithful compass, the faithful compass
That still points to thee

'Oh, believe not what the landsmen say
Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind
They'll tell thee sailors when away
In every port a mistress find
Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so
For thou art present, for thou art present 
Wheresoe'er I go

If to fair India's coast we sail
Thy 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 charm of lovely Sue'

Though battle call me from thy arms
Let not my pretty Susan mourn
Though cannon roar, yet safe from harms
William shall to his dear return
Love turns aside the balls that round me fly
Lest precious tears, lest precious tears
Should drop from Susan's eye

The boatswain gave the dreadful word
Her sails their swelling bosom 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 waved her lily hand