Did she ever return? No, she never returned

voiceCollected by Sue Holley Sung by Mr. Frank Poole Fayetteville, Arkansas August 4, 1959 and Helen McAllister For Mary Celestia Parler Transcribed by Sue Holley and Helen McAllister Reel 290, Item 10 The Ship That Never Returned On a summer day when the leaves were rippled By a soft and gentle breeze, Did a ship set sail with its cargo all laden Far beyond the dark blue sea. There were sweet farewells, there were loving signals, As the youngsters round her yearned Tho they knew it not was long lost parting Of the ship that never returned. Chorus: Did she ever return? No, she never returned And her fate lies yet untold Though for years and years there were fond hearts waiting For the ship that never returned. Said a feeble lad to his aged mother I must cross the wide wide sea, For they say perchance in foreign climate There is health and strength for me. With a gleam of hope and an air of danger For her youngest son; And she sent him forth with a smile and blessing On that ship that never returned. Chorus. Only one more trip said a gallant seaman, And he kissed his weeping wife, Only one more bag of the golden treasures, Then that will last us all our life. Then we'll spend our days in our cozy cottage And enjoy the rest I've earned. But alas poor man he sailed, commander, Of the ship that never returned. ChorusFunding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation