sung to the tune of The Wellerman
(there are many recordings, check out Nathan Evans to get the song going in your head)

There once was a boy who knew was he
The strongest pirate there ever would be.
The wind blew in, the sun beat down
But no, this little boy, knows. (huh)  

Soon may this Withenbury come
To bring us kisses and hugs and fun
Since one day when he’s grown and done
He’ll take his leave and go.  

On his bike he’d leave his home
When toward the park he’d always roam
His dada called him on the phone
To say he missed him mo’.  

Soon may this Withenbury come
To bring us kisses and hugs and fun
One day when he’s grown and done
He’ll take his leave and go.

Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da  

And before the boy could reach the park
Dog Ike-Ike met him with a bark
As Mama ran to meet her mark
And she grabbed him from below.

Soon may this Withenbury come
To bring us kisses and hugs and fun
One day when he’s grown and done
He’ll take his leave and go.

And so now the pirate ship’s been caught
But the pirate’s struggle’s not for naught
This boy listens to what he’s taught
With his dog and bike in tow. 

Soon may this Withenbury come
To bring us kisses and hugs and fun
One day when he’s grown and done
He’ll take his leave and go.

Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da  

Only two years old, already is he
The smartest pirate in the whole wide sea.
He swims and kicks and dances for me
And neither leg’s a peg, no!

Soon may this Withenbury come
To bring us kisses and hugs and fun
One day when he’s grown and done
He’ll take his leave and go.

So, back home the boy will race
To dock his ship back in its place
And sing his dad on Father’s Day
The Withenbury pirate shanty!

Soon may this Withenbury come
To bring us kisses and hugs and fun
One day when he’s grown and done
He’ll take his leave and go…

Happy Father’s Day to my brother, Alex,
who is one heck of a dada!

Love, Pirate Ben & Poet Em