British Man Of War

A song sung from the point of view of an eavesdropper over hearing a conversation between a sailor and his girlfriend. The sailor is off to fight for King and Country!
A Man-O-War was a powerful warship, carrying in excess of 120 cannons. 50+ per broadside!
Probably written during the second opium wars (1856 - 60) based on the reference to the treachery of the Portuguese, who had been allies of the English since the 1600's. In the second half of the 19th century however, there were disagreements over colonies in South Africa. It could just as easily be that "Portugeuse" ryhmes with "Chinese" mind.
Sorry.... I did A Level History. I can't help myself.
The song is Traditional, but the arrangement is my own. I've only ever heard it sung unaccompanied.
©Craig Sunderland 2022