Captain Maddie Redbeard

O Captain! my Captain! O whence shall I begin? 

You commandeered that vessel—your tonic mixed with gin. 

With drink in hand, you passed the band playing through the night.

With you, O Captain, I will stand; this crew I shall smite! 

                         But O heart! heart! heart! 

                            Calm my nerves outside this door; 

                               For what’s to come in the wheelhouse, 

                                  Shakes me to my core. 

O Captain! my Captain! Grab the wheel; take a swig; 

I’ll lock these filthy captives tightly in the brig. 

Skipper this ship forth between the Mississippi banks, 

Show your scurvy squad why they shan’t ever break their ranks; 

                         Here Captain! dear Captain! 

                            Let’s toast to your success! 

                               O shiver me timber, 

                                 Riverboats are the best. 

Time has come, my Captain, to dock this for the night. 

Skylines in the moonlight, O what a beautiful sight, 

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, 

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with objects won; 

                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells! 

                            All ye in the city, 

                               For Captain Maddie Redbeard, 

                                  The scourge of the Mississippi.