Historic Sheet Music Collection

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1841

Comments

I'm afloat! I'm afloat!, a song.
The music composed and respectfully dedicated to Hon. Mrs. Leander Starr
by Henry Russell
words by Eliza Cook
Boston: published by Geo. P. Reed. 17 Tremont Row.

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

I'm afloat! I'm afloat! on the fierce rolling tide,
The ocean's my home, and my bark is my bride!
Up! up! with my flag! let it wave o'er the sea,
I'm afloat! I'm afloat! and the rover is free!
I fear not the monarch, I heed not the law;
I've a compass to steer by, a dagger to draw;
And ne'er as a coward! or slave will I kneel,
While my guns carry shot, or my belt bears a steel!
Quick! quick! trim her sails, let her sheets kiss the wind
And I warrant we'll soon leave the seagulls behind;
Up! up! with my flag! let it wave o'er the sea!
I'm afloat! I'm afloat! and the rover is free!
I'm afloat! I'm afloat! and the rover is free!

The night gathers o'er us, the thunder is heard;
What matter, our vessel skins on like a birdl
What to her is the dash of the storm ridden main?
She has brav'd it before, and will brave it again!
The fire gleaming flashes around us may fall;
They may strike, they may cleave, but they cannot appal;
With lightnings above us, and darkness below,
Through the wild waste of waters right onward we go;
Hurrah! my brave boys, ye may drink, ye may sleep
The stars fiend is hush'd, we're a lone on the deep
Our flag of defiance still waves o'er the sea,
Hurrah! boys hurrah! the rover is free!
Hurrah! boys hurrah! the rover is free!

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