The Wreck Of The Athens Queen

Stan Rogers

We were drinking down to Reedy's house

When first we heard the blow

It seemed to come from Ripper Rock

So boldly forth to go



And sure enough the rusty tub

Could just be barely seen

As her stern was high up in the air

We made out Athens Queen



O, the lovely Athens Queen



Me boys I must remind you

There's a bottle left inside

So let us go and have a few

And wait until low tide



And if the sea's not claimed her

When the glasses are licked clean

We will then set forth some dories lads

And see what may be seen



On the lovely Athens Queen



Some songs and old tall stories then

Came out to pass the time

Nor could a single bottle

Keep us all until low tide



And so it was before we left

The house we were at sea

So we scarcely can remember

How we made the Athens Queen



O, the lovely Athens Queen



O the waves inside me belly

Were as high as those outside

And though I'm never seasick I

lost dinner overside



T'was well there was no crew to save

For we'd have scared 'em green

We could scarcely keep ourselves

From falling off the Athens Queen



O, the lovely Athens Queen



Well Reedy goes straight down below

And comes up with a cow

Hello I said now what would you

Be wantin' with that now



You'll never take the cow home

In a dory on such sea

Well me friend he says I've always fancied

Fresh cream in me tea



For the lovely Athens Queen



I headed for the galley then

Cause I was rather dry

And glad I was to get there quick

For what should I spy



O what a shame it would have been

For to lose it all at sea

Forty cases of the best Napolean

Brandy ever seen



On the lovely Athens Queen



I loaded twenty cases boys

Then headed for the shore

Unloaded them as quick as that

And then pulled back