The John B. Sails

1.

Oh, we come on the sloop John B.,

My gran’fadder an’ me.

Round Nassau Town we did roam,

Drinking all night, we got in a fight,

I feel so break-up I want to go home!

Refrain:

So hoist up the John B. sails,

See how de main-s’l set,

Send for de Capt’n ashore, Lemme go home!

Lemme go home! Lemme go home!

I feel so break-up I want to go home!

2.

De first mate he got drunk,

Break up de people’s trunk.

Constable come aboard an’ take him away.

Mr. Johnstone, please let me alone.

I feel so break-up I want to go home! (Refrain)

3.

De poor cook he got fits,

Tro’ ’way all de grits,

Den he took an’ eat up all o’ my corn!

Lemme go home, I want to go home!

Dis is de worst trip since I been born! (Refrain)

Lyrics and Melody: Traditional
Arangement: Alfred George Wathall (1880–1938)
Source: The American Songbag, published by Carl Sandburg in 1927, page 22 f.

Copyright Status

This traditional folk song is taken from the book “The American Songbag”, published by Carl Sandburg (1878–1967). As Sandburg is only the publisher of this song and does not claim authorship, the song itself is in the Public Domain. However, his commentary on this song and the book as a whole are still “protected” until at least the end of 2037.
The copyright of the arrangement by A.G.W. has expired in 2008.

The book was published in 1927. After 95 years of “protection”, its copyright has expired in 2022.

	This work is in the Public Domain because of its age.