A reworking of the 300 year old British folk song. I’ve discarded the 1730 melody but stayed pretty close to the 1720 lyrics.

All in the dawn the fleet lay moored
Streamers waving in the wind when black-eyed Susan came on board
Oh where do I find my love, sailor tell me true
Does my sweet William sail among your crew?

On the yard arm rocking to and fro
Her well-known voice he heard, he sighed and cast his eyes below
Her man William, the cord sliding through his hands
As quick as lightning on the deck he stands

Oh Susan, Susan, darling dear
Your William can not bear to kiss away that falling tear
We only part to meet again, know my heart is ever true
This faithful compass, Sue it only points to you

Oh Susan north star of my life
The knot was tied indeed when you agreed to be my wife
The noblest captain in the British fleet
Might envy William black-eyed Susan’s kisses sweet

Oh believe not what the landsmen say
Who tell you what we sailors do when we sail away
That there’s a Sue in every port, don’t listen to them Sue
My black-eyed Susan you’re part of everything I do

Where there are diamonds in the river bed
And Indian moonlight winding round me like a spider’s silver thread
Every beauteous wonder that I view
Will call to mind the thought of my black-eyed Sue

Then the boatswain gave the dreadful word
Sad sails began to spread, she could no longer stay on board
They kissed, she sighed, he hung his head, her boat was rowed to land
‘Adieu’ she cried, as she waved her tiny hand

All in the dawn the fleet lay moored
Streamers waving in the wind when black-eyed Susan came on board
Oh believe not what the landsmen say
My black-eyed Susan, I must away, I must away

My black-eyed Susan, my black-eyed Susan
I must away, I must away, I must away