Key: C
Introduction:
C F C G7 C
One morning in the month of May when brightly shone the sun,
C F C G7 C
Upon the banks of Tilbury stream there sat a lovely one,
F G7 F Am
She did appear a goddess fair, her dark brown hair did shine,
C F C G7 C
It shaded the neck and bosom white of pretty Caroline.
C F C G7 C
I said to her - 'My pretty maid, do you remember me?
C F C G7 C
I am the jolly sailor which ploughed the Regency,
F G7 F Am
And for courting of a pretty maid her parents did combine,
C F C G7 C
They sent me off in a man of war from pretty Caroline.
C F C G7 C
It's seven long years since I was bound all for to save the King,
C F C G7 C
Where rattling cannons roared around, which made the deep sea ring,
F G7 F Am
Here's gold and silver I have brought and freely would resign,
C F C G7 C
Here's gold and silver for a ring, 'tis all for Caroline.'
C F C G7 C
This maiden fair 'twixt joy and woe away from him she flew -
C F C G7 C
'Oh stand away without delay, unless you tell me true
F G7 F Am
Produce the ring, the braided ring, and a lock of hair of mine,
C F C G7 C
No mortal man shall e'er deceive this faithful Caroline.'
C F C G7 C
This braided hair and ring of gold young William did her show,
C F C G7 C
Then Caroline and William unto some church did go,
F G7 F Am
Down in some lofty mansion so splendid they did shine,
C F C G7 C
The sailor blessed the month of May he met with Caroline.