The Last of the Privateers

In the company of thieves I set out for the plunder
In search of adventure and tender in years
I threw in my lot and was cast asunder
And I joined with the last of the privateers

Mexican gold and rum from Jamaica
To the isle of Bermuda to wait out the year
Then south round the Horn and the devil can take her
It was all in a day for a privateer

I took no advance in pay or promotion
And squandered my share until it was gone
I answered to no man whatever his station
And I lived out a dream to follow the sun

For those dark-skinned beauties my heart is still yearning
With a smile for a rogue they would sing us ashore
With wine and strong liquor and young blood a-burning
I would give up a ransom to see them once more

I'll ship onboard a Nantucket Trader
And follow the course whichever she steers
South to the Indies, by chance to Bermuda
And I'll bid farewell to the privateers

So be cheery my friends, don't be down-hearted
Drink a health to the man who throws away cares
Lift your glass and be merry before we are parted
Bid adieu to the last of the privateers

Strike up a fiddle if you've a notion
And lay me down easy under the stars
Give me up to the deep of a dark rolling ocean
Say farewell to the last of the privateers