Lyrics: The Escape Of Old John Webb

(Tom Drake)

Five men to guard the British rank and five to watch the town above
And two to stand at either hand and one to let Bill Tenner out.
He had eighty weight of Spanish iron between his neck bone and his knee,
But Billy took Johnny up under his arm and lugged him away right manfully.

[Chorus:]
And Billy broke locks and Billy broke bolts and Billy broke all that he came nigh,
Until he came to the dungeon door and that he broke right manfully.

So they stole them a horse and away did ride and who what they rode gallantly,
Until they came to the river bank to the river runnin' wild and free!
The British were comin' close on their heels and who but they stood fearfully,
'Till Billy took Johnny up on his back and carried him over it easily.

[Chorus]

So they called at the inn for a room to dance and who but they danced merrily
And the very best dancer among them all was old John Webb who was just set free!