Johnny The Trawler

(Traditional)

A warning to sailors who leave “true lovers behind,” this is an old traditional sea song which was sung in Merasheen by Joe Casey.
Sung here by Tom Ennis of Merasheen.

Now Johnny the trawler came a courting up late,
A rich farmer's daughter, her name it was Kate;
He courted a maiden, this seafaring man,
A jolly young tar and his name it was John.

Now Johnny came to her for to let her know,
That on a long voyage to the East Indies must go;
If he ever returned he would make her his dear,
Then they would live in great splendour and cheer.

Now Johnny was gone six months and a space,
When a jolly young tailor she chanced to embrace;
He told her false stories, they both did agree,
And for to get married prepared with great speed.

As John was walking up fair London Street,
A jolly old shipmate he chanced for to meet.
"Welcome home, brother shipmate, you're quite welcome home,
And I do believe it's the right time you've come.

"Oh do you remember you courted a maid?
It's by your long absence she's going to be wed;
For tomorrow at Bristol the wedding will be,
And I am invited the same for to see."

Oh, Johnny turned around with a joke and a smile,
"Saying but tomorrow some sport I will spoil;
Although they don't think it in none of their hearts,
You'll see this young trawler only acting his part."

Johnny took lodgings that very same night,
And he started for Bristol just as the first light;
At fair Bristol's churchyard he waited a while,
When John saw her coming caused him for to smile.

Now Johnny stepped to her, took her by the hand,
Saying "You're to be married, love, I understand;
I came here this morning to mock your design,
And I full intend, love, that you will be mine."

"Good Lord!" said the lady, "Now what shall I do?
I know I was faithfully promised to you;
But the trawler's my true love and I'll be his bride,
No man on this earth will I marry beside."

Come all ye young tailors wherever you be,
Avoid all misfortune, take a warning by me:
If you court a young girl marry her while you may,
For a jolly young trawler might steal her away.