The Big Ships A Sailing Chords
The Big Ships A Sailing by Misc Traditional is a beginner-friendly guitar song played in the key of G. It uses the chords G, D, D7 and C. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
Verse: 1
G D G
Oh the big ship's a sailing far across the ocean
D7 D G D
Fare thee well lovely Annie I bid you a-dieu
G C G
And I cant return where small birds are nesting
C G D G
Or take you dear Annie and make you my bride
Verse: 2
G D G
You remember dear Annie when we walked on the mountain
D7 D G D
And we saw all those young men a marching away
G C G
To fight for her country and free her from bondage
C G D G
When I left you dear Annie I went with them that day
Verse: 3
G D G
We fought hard through winter and many died bravely
7 D G D
And we thought of our loved ones, our country unfree
G C G
And my heart nearly broke when I thought of the mountain
C G D G
Where I held you in my arms on that warm summer's day
Verse: 4
G D G
But our names they were given by a Judas informer
D7 D G D
I remember his face, he fought right beside me
G C G
I was given the assignment to kill him one evening
C G D G
And bury his body in the deep flowing sea
Verse: 5
G D G
So now you know Annie why I must leave you
D7 D G D
And why I can't take you and make you my bride
G C G
For I am in danger and fear every stranger
C G D G
In village and city who walks by my side
Verse: 6
G D G
So come with me Annie once more to the mountain
D7 D G D
And walk with me slowly to the ship by the sea
G C G
And let me carress you and kiss you and bless you
C G D G
For ever and always you'll be dearest to me
Verse: 7
G D G
Farewell to my homeland, my parents and comrades
D7 D G D
The brave men who died and fought beside me
G C G
To the mountains and valleys, the green fields of Erin
C G D G
May the young men of Ireland bring you liberty