Motley Words

When the Alabama’s keel was laid
Roll Alabama roll
She was laid in the yard of Johnathan laird
Oh roll Alabama roll

She was laid in the yard of Johnathan laird
She was laid in the town of Birkenhead

Across the Mersey River she sailed then
And Liverpool gave her guns and men

From the Western Isles she sailed forth
To destroy the commerce of the north

Into Cherbourg harbour she sailed one day
To collect her share of the prize money

And many a sailor met his doom
When the Yankee ship hauled into view

A shot from the forward pivot that day
Blew the Alabama’s stern away (Arse on Bank Holidays)

Off the three-mile limit in ’64
She sank to the bottom of the ocean floor

Oh roll Alabama [beat] roll