Sea Song

Pure water it plays a good part in
The swabbing the decks and all that--
And it finds its own level for sartin--
For it sartinly drinks very flat:--
For my part a drop of the creatur
I never could think was a fault,
For if Tars should swig water by nature
The sea would have never been salt!--
Then off with it into a jorum,
And make it strong, sharpish, or sweet,
For if I've any sense of decorum
It never was meant to be neat!--

One day when I was but half sober,--
Half measures I always disdain--
I walk'd into a shop that sold Soda,
And ax'd for some Water Champagne;--
Well, the lubber he drew and he drew, boys,
Till I'd shipped my six bottles or more,
And blow off my last limb but it's true, boys,
Why, I warn't half so drunk as afore!--
Then off with it into a jorum,
And make it strong, sharpish, or sweet,
For if I've any sense of decorum
It never was meant to be neat.