As I walked out on London Street Press gang there I chanced for to meet They asked me if I'd join the fleet! On board a man-of-war Boys, on board a man-of-war Come brother shipmates, tell me do What kind of treatment they give to you That I might know before I go! On board a man-of-war Boys, on board a man-of-war When I got there to my surprise All that they told me was rotten lies There was no round and jolly old man! On board a man-of-war Boys, on board a man-of-war The first thing they done, they took me in hand They whipped me with the tar and the strand They whipped me 'til I could not stand! On board a man-of-war Boys, on board a man-of-war Well I was married, my wife's name was Gray 'Twas she that led me to go astray 'Twas she that made me go away! On board a man-of-war Boys, on board a man-of-war Next I get my feet on the shore To see them London girls once more I'll never go to sea no more! On board a man-of-war Boys, on board a man-of-war