Royal Oak
Victorious Seas: A Valiant Battle Against Turbulent Foes
Lyrics
As we were sailing, all on the salt sea
Setting the scene of sailing on the salt sea.
We hadn't been gone months, but two or three
Short duration of the journey, only two or three months.
When we saw ten sail, ten sail of Turks
Spotting ten Turkish ships, all war vessels.
All men of war, full as big as we
The Turkish ships were as large as their own.
"Haul down your colors, you English dogs!
Command from Turks to lower English colors (flags).
Haul down your colors, do not refuse
Reiteration of the command to lower colors.
Haul down your colors, you English dogs
Repeat of the command, emphasizing the seriousness.
Or your precious life you will lose!"
Warning of dire consequences if the order is not obeyed.
Our captain being a valiant man
Praise for the captain's bravery and eloquence.
And a well-bespoken, a man was he!
Description of the captain's impressive qualities.
"Let it never be said that we died like dogs
Defiance against dying dishonorably.
But we shall fight, most manfully!
Determination to fight bravely.
Go up aloft, you cabin boys
Orders to the cabin boys to raise the news flag.
And mount the mainmast atop so high
Specifically, to raise the flag on the mainmast.
For to spread the news to King George's fleet
Intent to inform King George's fleet of the battle.
That we'll run the risk or else we'll die!"
Expressing readiness to face the risk of battle or death.
Now the fight began about six in the morn
Initiation of the battle at six in the morning.
And on to the setting of the sun
Continuation of the battle until sunset.
And at the rise of the next dawn
Resuming the battle at the next dawn.
When we saw ten ships
Recounting the sight of ten ships again.
We couldn't see but one
Difficulty in seeing due to the reduction in enemy ships.
'Cause three we sank, and three we burned
Detailing the destruction and disabling of enemy ships.
And three we caused to run away
Summarizing the outcome of the battle.
And one we towed into Portsmouth harbor
Towing one captured ship back to Portsmouth.
For to let them know we'd won the day
Declaration of victory to Portsmouth harbor.
If anyone then should enquire
Addressing potential inquiries about the captain.
As to our gallant captain's name
Revealing the captain's name upon inquiry.
Well, Captain Wellfounder was our commander
Identifying Captain Wellfounder as the commander.
And the Royal Oak was our ship by name
Naming the ship "Royal Oak" as part of the victory.
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