Now all you bold fellows who've to this place come,
I will sing you the praises of brandy and rum.
Lend an ear to my song, good cheer is our goal
Give me the punch ladle, I'll fathom the bowl.

Chorus:

I'll fathom the bowl, I'll fathom the bowl,
Give me the punch ladle, I'll fathom the bowl.

From France we do get brandy; from Jamaica comes rum
Sweet oranges and lemons from Portugal come
But stout and strong cider are England's control
Give me the punch ladle, I'll fathom the bowl.

[Chorus]

My wife she do disturb me when I'm laid at my ease
She does as she likes and she says as she please
My wife, she's a devil, she's black as the coal
Give to me the punch ladle, I'll fathom the bowl.

[Chorus]

My father he do lie in the depths of the sea
Cold rocks for his pillow – what matter to he?
There's a clear crystal fountain near England shall roll
Give me the punch ladle, I'll fathom the bowl.

[Chorus]