Botany Bay

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Melody -
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Come all ye young men of learning,
And a warning take from me,
I would have you quit night walking,
And shun bad company,
I would have you quit night walking,
Or else you'll rue the day,
You'll rue your transportation, lads,
When you're bound for Botany Bay

2. I was brought up in London town,
At a place I know full well,
Brought up by honest parents,
For the truth to tell.
Brought up by honest parents,
And reared most tenderly,
Till I became a roving blade,
Which proved my destiny.

3. My character was shaken,
And I was sent to jail.
My friends they tried to clear me,
But nothing could prevail.
At the old Bailey sessions,
The judge to me did say:
The jury found you guilty, lad,
So you go to Botany Bay.

4. It was on May the twenty eight,
From England we did steer,
And all things being safe on board,
We sailed down the river clear.
And every ship that we passed by,
We heard the sailors say:
Good thing it's them not us, ho! ho!
That are bound for Botany Bay.

5. There is a girl in Manchester,
A girl I know quite well,
And if I ever get set free,
With her I intend to dwell.
Which means, I mean to marry her,
And no more go astray,
I'll shun all evil company,
Bid adieu to Botany Bay.

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