When I was but a boy,
    I heard the people tell
How gallant Captain Law-rence
    So bravely fought and fell.

The ships lay close together,
    I heard the people say,
And many guns were roaring
    Upon that battle day.

A grape-shot struck the captain,
    He laid him down to die:
They say the smoke of powder
    Made dark the sea and sky.

The sailors heard a whisper
    Upon the captain’s lip:
The last command of Law-rence
    Was, “Don’t give up the ship.”

And ever since that battle
    The people like to tell
How gallant Captain Lawrence
    So bravely fought and fell.

When disappointment happens,
    And fear your heart annoys,
Be brave, like Captain Lawrence—
    And don’t give up, my boys!