The Cruel Ship's Carpenter

In fair Worcester town and in Fair Worcestershire
A beautiful damsel she once lived there
A young man he courted her all for to be his dear
And he by his trade was a ship's carpenter

Early one morning before it was day
He turned to his Polly these words he did say
Oh Polly oh Polly, you must come with me
Before our wedding day my friends and family to see

He led her through woods and the valleys so deep
Which caused this young damsel to cry and to weep,
Oh Billy, oh Billy, you have led me astray
On purpose my innocent life to betray

Oh Billy, oh Billy, pardon my life,
I never will covet for to be your wife
I'll travel the whole world to set myself free
If you will but pardon my poor baby and me

There's no time for pardon there's no time to save
For all the night long I've been digging your grave
And now it lies open the spade is standing by
Which caused this poor maiden to weep and to cry

He covered her up so safe and secure,
Thinking no-one could find her of that he was sure
And then he went upon board to sail the world round
Before that his murderous crime could ever be found

Early, early one morning before it was day
The captain he stepped up and these words he did say,
There's a murderer on board and he must be known
Our ship is in mourning we cannot sail on

Then up steps the first man, I'm sure it's not me
Then up steps the second, I'm sure it's not me.
Then up steps Bold William to stamp and to swear,
I swear it's not me sir I do vow and declare.

He turned from the captain and thought himself fee
But the ghost of his Polly would not let him be
She ripped him, she tore him, she tore him in three
Because that he murdered her poor baby and she