Ye Mariners All
Sailors' Revelry: A Toast to Life's Joys and Regrets
Lyrics
Oh ye Mariners as you pass by,
Invitation to passing sailors to come and have a drink.
Well come into drink if you are dry.
Welcoming sailors who are thirsty to join for a drink.
Come and spend, my lads, your money brisk,
Encouraging sailors to spend their money enthusiastically.
And pop your nose in this one.
Suggesting sailors try a particular drink.
Drink another jug of this.
Encouraging the consumption of more of the suggested drink.
Oh ye tipplers, have you that crown?
Asking if those who enjoy drinking have the means (money).
For you are welcome all to sit down.
Welcoming all who can afford to join and sit down.
Come and spend, my lads, your money brisk,
Encouraging the spending of money with enthusiasm.
And pop your nose in this one.
Suggesting trying another specific drink.
In another jug of this.
Encouraging the consumption of more of the suggested second drink.
Now I'm old and I can scarcely recalll,
Reflecting on old age, recalling memories becoming faint.
I've an old grey beard and a head that's bald.
Describing physical features of old age like a grey beard and bald head.
Crown my desire and fulfill my bliss,
Expressing a desire for pleasure and fulfillment with a young girl.
With a pretty young girl
(Repetition of line 11)
And another jug of this.
Continuing the desire for pleasure and enjoyment of the suggested drink.
Now I'm in my grave and I am dead,
Reflecting on being in the grave, freed from sorrows.
And all these sorrows are passed and fled.
Expressing the idea that all troubles are gone and past.
Go and turn myself into a fish,
Expressing a desire to transform into a fish for freedom.
And let me swim around you
Imagining swimming around others in a container of the suggested drink.
In another jug of this.
(Repetition of line 11)
will the drinkers come tonight?
Pondering if the drinkers will come tonight.
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