When the Alabama's keel was laid
Roll, Alabama, Roll
It was laid in the yards of Jonathan Laird
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

It was laid in the yards of Jonathan Laird
Roll, Alabama, Roll
It was laid in the town of Birkenhead
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

Down Mersey way she sailed then
Roll, Alabama, Roll
Liverpool fitted her with guns and men
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

From the western isles she sailed forth
Roll, Alabama, Roll
To destroy the commerce of the North
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

To Cherbourg port she sailed one day
Roll, Alabama, Roll
To take her count of prize money
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

Many a sailor lad he saw his doom
Roll, Alabama, Roll
When the Ke-arsage it hove in view
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

Till a ball from the forward pivot that day
Roll, Alabama, Roll
Shot the Alabama's stern away
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll

Off the three mile limit in sixty-five
Roll, Alabama, Roll
The Alabama went to her grave
Oh, roll, Alabama, roll