Chorus:
I'm for the Holy Land sailing,
To win back Jerusalem's walls,
I'm for the Holy Land sailing,
And I'll win a fortune, or a martyr I'll fall.
As my ship sails out, I watch the far coastline,
For leaving of kinsmen, my heart is full pained,
And I've traded all for the Cross on my shoulder,
No land for a third son, so I'm away.
Chorus
As I look around me at the men on the benches,
Their eyes are like mine, so I know their hearts' pain,
I sing them a song of bravery and battle,
And now their eyes shine like their keen polished blades.
Chorus
I followed King Richard to Sicily Island,
For Johanna's dowry 'gainst Tancred prevailed,
Now a fortune in silver and a new wife hath Richard,
And I've a swift horse, and a fine coat of mail.
Chorus
At landfall in Cypress they refused Barengaria,
And Richard in anger has answered in steel,
Now the crown of Cypress he's added to England's,
And I've added knighthood's gold spurs to my heels.
Chorus
I followed the banner to battle at Acre,
And held it aloft when it's bearer was slain,
Now we've given Richard a tower of the city,
He's given me rank, and a full captain's pay.
Chorus
At Arsouf on the coastline we met with the Paynim,
We won the battle, though many men fell,
And one was a Baron with lands that need tending,
Now they are mine, and I'll tend them well.
Chorus
Now I sit in court over Christian and Moslem,
And I've a strong keep and soldiers ten score,
And King Richard's army he's sailed back to England,
And I've said farewell, for I'll see them ne'er more,
You see,
I'm in the Holy Land staying,
To guard my own castle walls,
I'm in the Holy Land staying,
And I've won my fortune, so farewell to all!