Oh, as we were a-sailing down by the Spanish shore
Where the drums they do beat and the large cannon do roar
There we spied a lofty army go bearing over the main-O
Which causes us to hoist up our topmost sail again
Our captain says, "Be ready," oh, he says, "My boys, stand true;
To face the Spanish army we lately did pursue
For to face the Spanish army lay long the ocean wide
And without our good protection boys we'll take the first broadside."
And it's broadside for broadside these vessels o'er they went
For sinking one another, it was their full intent
And the very second broadside our captain he got slain
And a damsel jumped in his place to give command again
Oh, we fought for nearly four hours, for four hours or more
Till we had scarce a man on board our gallant ship to steer
Till we had scarce a man on board to fire off a gun
And the blood from our decks like a river it did run
Oh, for quarter, for quarter, the Spanish boys did cry
"You have had the best of quarters," this damsel did reply
"You have had the best of quarters that e'er we can afford;
You must fight, sink, or swim, me boys, or jump overboard."
Aye, and now the war is over and we'll take a gla** of wine
You will drink to your true love and I will drink to mine
Here's a health unto that damsel who fought upon the main-O
She has a royal gallant ship and The Rainbow's the name