Shipwrecked


The day I was shipwrecked and cast upon the shore
I started all alone and went the country to explore.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

Upon the sandy land, I saw a crocodile.
From the nose to the tail, it was more than thirty-two miles.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

This kind of crocodile was not the usual size.
I climbed up a dead tree to look into its glaring eyes.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

I bore away, one day, with ev'ry stitch of sail,
It took fully three days to reach from the head to the tail.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

The wind was blowing hard; t'was blowing from the south
It blew me right across the beast into its gaping mouth.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

I roamed about the throat until 1 found a door.
Inside I saw bullocks and horses laid up by the score.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

The monster had long ribs and sure it had a hide.
It took me thirteen days to work a hole right through the side.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

Well now, you gentlemen, if you go up the Nile,
Somewhere you'll find the shell of this wonderful crocodile.

With a Right valarity whac,
Valarity chock, valirity dey.

Collected by Helen Creighton.

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