We were drinking down to Reedy's house 

When first we heard the blow

It seemed to come from Ripper Rock

So boldly forth we go



And, sure enough, a rusty tub 

Could just be barely seen 

As her stern was high up in the air 

We made out "Athens Queen"



Oh, the lovely Athens Queen



Me boys, I must remind you, 

There's a bottle left inside

So let us go and have a few 

And wait until low tide 



And if the sea's not claimed her 

When the glasses are licked clean

We will then set forth some dories, lads,

And see what may be seen 



On the lovely Athens Queen



Some songs and old tall stories then 

Came out to pass the time

Nor could a single bottle 

Keep us all until low tide



And so it was before we left 

The house we were at sea 

So I scarcely can remember 

How we made the Athens Queen



Oh, the lovely Athens Queen



Oh the waves inside me belly 

Were as high as those outside

And though I'm never seasick,

I lost dinner overside



T'was well there was no crew to save 

For we'd have scared 'em green

We could scarcely keep ourselves 

From falling off the Athens Queen



Oh, the lovely Athens Queen



Well, Reedy goes straight down below 

And comes up with a cow

"Hello", I said, "now what would you 

Be wantin' with that now?"



"You'll never take a cow home 

In a dory on such seas!"

"Well me son, he says I've always fancied 

Fresh cream in me tea



'Fore the lovely Athens Queen."



I headed for the galley, then, 

As I was rather dry

And glad I was to get there quick 

For what should  I espy?



Oh what a shame it would have been 

For to lose it all at sea

Forty cases of the best Napoleon 

Brandy ever seen



On the lovely Athens Queen



I loaded twenty cases, boys,  

Then headed for the shore 

Unloaded them as quick as that 

And then pulled back for more



Smith was pulling for the shore 

But he could scarce be seen

Under near two hundred chickens 

And a leather couch of green



From the lovely Athens Queen



Well, here's to all good salvagers 

Likewise to Ripper Rock

And to Napoleon brandy of which 

Now we have much stock



We eat a lot of chicken 

And sit on a couch of green 

And we wait for Ripper Rock 

To claim another Athens Queen



Oh, the lovely Athens Queen