The Alabama

One of my own favourites, 'The Alabama' tells the story of a boat built in secrecy in 1862 to fight for the Confederates during the American Civil War.

When blocked from entering Cherbourg Port after 2 years at sea, the Captain of the Alabama sent the following telegraph:

"my intention is to fight the Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to-morrow or the morrow morning at farthest. I beg she will not depart until I am ready to go out. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, R. Semmes, Captain."

When the Alabama’s keel was laid

Roll, Alabama, Roll

Twas laid in the yard of Jonathan Laird

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

Twas laid in the yard of Jonathan Laird

Roll, Alabama, Roll

Twas laid in the town of Birkenhead

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

Down the Mersey way she rolled then

Roll, Alabama, Roll

Liverpool fitted her with guns and men

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

From the Western Isle she sailed forth

Roll, Alabama, Roll

To destroy the commerce of the North

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

To Cherbourg port she sailed one day

Roll, Alabama, Roll

To take her count of prize money

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

Many a sailor lad he met his doom

Roll, Alabama, Roll

When the Kearsarge it hove in view

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

Til a shot from the forward canon that day

Roll, Alabama, Roll

Blew the Alabama’s stern away

O Roll, Alabama, Roll

Off the three mile limit in sixty-four

Roll, Alabama, Roll

The Alabama sank to the ocean floor

O Roll, Alabama, Roll