John Hawe the Pirate (Lyrics)
This is a wild amazing story
That took place under God's good glory
Back in the 1700's in Brigus
So I've been told
A fisherman named John Hawe
From his home in North Point,
Well he saw a big old ship hove too just off the point
Well he thought the captain might need help
And he'll do anything that's how he felt
John Hawe was a family man that was his way
So he gets in the punt and he rows right out
Never once did he ever dream about
The nightmare that would happen that fateful day
He climbs the ropes jumps over the rail
With his wife and children watching this tale
Unfold before their unsuspecting eyes
After a couple of hours went by
The ship weighed anchor
And the children cried
Mama they have taken father away
It was a pirate ship that came
John was locked in chains
And given a choice
They said we'll spare your life
Your children and your wife
If you come in peace
Chorus: That's how John Hawe became a pirate(Repeat 3 times)
Under the Black flag of skull and crossbones
John's heart is broke the ship creaks and moans
Far far away from Newfoundland
They raid a plunder and laid siege
Off the land and on the high seas
From the Caribbean to the Spanish Main
For twenty years John hopes and prays
For a chance to escape and
Make his way back home to his family, but
It was a pirate ship that came
John was locked in chains
And given a choice
They said we'll spare your life
Your children and your wife
If you come in peace
That's how John Hawe became a pirate (repeat)
At last the long wait and wish came true
When the captain disbands the motley crew
Somewhere in a port in South America
For many months John walks the wharf
Till he finds a ship bound for New York
Then another set to sail for old St. John's
John stops outside the old wooden gate
He wonders is twenty years too late
Would his family believe him
Would they recognize him
Would they still love him now
It was a pirate ship that came
John was locked in chains
And given a choice
They said we'll spare your life
Your children and your wife
If you come in peace
Chorus: That’s how John Hawe became a pirate (Repeat 3)
John Hawe
Rowing to Pirate Ship
Sketch by
Jonathan Green
17th Sailing Ship