Lyrics by Paul Gray
I’m a merchant jack, N’er been naval Tar,
So I drink my drink far from the Naval Yard
But when down at the pub, the press gang appeared,
I was charged to fight Spain o’er old Jenkins’ Ear
I’m impressed again, pressed again, pressed again
His Highness’ reign has me all enchained
But unlike old George, I’ve got no row with Spain
I’m impressed again, and pressed again
If a volunteer man escapes in the night,
He’ll be strung up to dance his last hornpipe
But a pressed man who flees and is captured afresh,
Will again be made the Royal Navy’s guest
I’m impressed again, pressed again, pressed again
His Highness’ reign has me all enchained
But unlike old George, I’ve got no row with Spain
I’m impressed again, and pressed again
In Jamaica I dodged after the first affair
Ye men of seafaring habits do beware
Port Royal has coffee, maids and tobacco,
But don’t get so busy you forget to lie low!
I’m impressed again, pressed again, pressed again
His Highness’ reign has me all enchained
But unlike old George, I’ve got no row with Spain
I’m impressed again, and pressed again
I would not be granted leave once home, I knew
So I leaped into the sea upon England’s view.
Much farther than it appeared, I was hauled up by net
Boys, that was my briefest liberty yet
I’m impressed again, pressed again, pressed again
His Highness’ reign has me all enchained
But unlike old George, I’ve got no row with Spain
I’m impressed again, and pressed again
