The Captain's Apprentice Songtext
von Jim Moray

One day this poor boy unto me was bound apprentice
Because of being so fatherless
I took him out of St. James′ Workhouse
His mother being in deep distress

One day this poor boy unto me offended
But nothing unto him did say
Up to the mainmast shroud I sent him
And kept him there all that long day


With my marling spike I misused him
So shamefully I won't deny
And with a gasket rope I gagged him
Because I could not bear his cry

His legs and hands unto me expanded
His pretty face to me likewise
And by my barbarous cruel entreatment
The very next day this young boy died

So come you captains all throughout this nation
Hear voice and warning take by me
Take special care of your apprentice
When you are on the raging sea