I was laid off at the home
from a voyage to Sierra Leone
Two pounds ten and sixpence was my pay
When I drew the tin I grinned but I very soon got skinned
By a girl by the name of Maggie May
Oh Maggie Maggie May they
have taken you away
They'll take you to Van Dieman's cruel shores
For you robbed so many a sailor and skinned so many a whaler
You'll never shine on Paradise street no more
Well I sharn't forget the
day that I first met Maggie May
She was cruising up and down the Canning Place
With a figure so divine like a frigate of the line
And me being a sailor gave chase
Next day I woke in bed with
a sore and aching head
No shoes no shirt no trousers could I find
When I asked her where they were she said
My dear sir they're down at Kelly's Locker number nine
Oh Maggie Maggie May they
have taken you away
They'll take you to Van Dieman's cruel shores
For you robbed so many a sailor and skinned so many a whaler
You'll never shine on Paradise street no more
Oh you thievin' Maggie May
you have robbed me of my pay
When I slept last night with you ashore
And the judge he guilty found her of robbing a homeward bounder
And she'll never shine on Paradise Street no more