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.
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.