Oh! shipmates, come rally, and join in my ditty
Of a terrible battle that happened of late
Let each good Union-Tar shed a tear of sad pity
As he listens to the once gallant Cumberland's fate

It was the Eighth day of March told a terrible story
And many a tar to this world bid adieu!
But our flag it was wrapt in a mantle of glory
By the heroic deeds of the Cumberlands crew

On that ill-fated day about ten in the morning
The sky it was clear and bright shone the sun
The drums of the Cumberland sounded a warning
Bidding each gallant seaman to stand by his gun

An iron-clad frigate down on us came bearing
While high in the air a rebel flag flew
Pennant of treason she proudly was waving
Determined to conquer the Cumberland's crew

So our noble ship fired her guns' dreadful thunder
Her broad-sides, like hail, on the Rebels did pour
But our sailors gazed on, filled with terror and wonder
As the shots struck her sides and glanced harmlessly forth

But the pride of our navy could never be daunted
Tho' the dead and the dying her decks they did strew
And the flag of our Union how proudly she flaunted
Sustained by the blood of the Cumberland's crew

Hours we fought them with stern resolution
'Til the rebels found cannon could never decide
The flag of secession had no power to gall them
Tho' the blood from their scuppers it crimsoned the tide

As she struck us on mid-ship, our planks she did sever
Her sharp iron prong pierced our noble ship through
And still, though she splintered and twisted hard over
We'll die at our guns! cried the Cumberland's crew

So slowly they sank 'Neath Virginia's dark waters
And their voices on earth will ne'er be heard more
They'll be mourned by Columbia's brave sons and fair daughters!
May their blood be avenged on Virginia's shore!

In their battle-stained graves they are silently lying
Their souls have forever to each bid adieu!
But the star-spangled banner above them is still flying
For it was nailed to the mast by the Cumberland's crew