This is the story about the hard journey sailing around Cape Horn. Many a ship and sailor were lost while attempting this passage.
It’s of the frigate, Amphitrite, she lay in Plymouth Sound,
Blue Peter at her foremast head for she was outward bound;
We were waiting there for orders to take us far from home;
Our orders came for Rio, and thence around Cape Horn.
And when we got to Rio we prepared for heavy gales;
We set up all new rigging, boys. Bent on all new sails.
From ship to ship they cheered us as we did sail along,
They wished us pleasant weather in rounding of Cape Horn.
While beating off Magellan Strait it blew exceeding hard;
Whilst shortening sails two gallant tars fell from the topmost yard.
By angry seas the ropes we threw from their poor hands were torn.
We had to leave them to the sharks that prowl around Cape Horn.
And when we got round the Horn, my boys, we had some glorious days.
And very soon our killick dropped in Valparaiso Bay.
Them pretty girls came down in flocks; I solemnly declare
They’re far before them Plymouth girls with their long and curly hair.
They love a jolly sailor when he spends his money free.
They laugh and sing and merry, merry be; they enjoy a jovial spree.
And when your money is all gone they won’t on you impose.
They are not like the Plymouth girls who steal and pawn your clothes.
Farewell to Valparaiso, and farewell for a while.
And likewise to them Spanish girls all on the coast of Chile.
And if ever l live to be paid off I’ll sit and sing this song:
“God bless them pretty Spanish girls we left around Cape Horn.”