A. Bonny Tale

from Score by The Jolly Rogers

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lyrics

From the moment that Anne, was brought into this world, she was embroiled in scandal,
Her father was married, and her mother his maid, but their passion was too much to handle.
As a youth they would say, that Anne was a stubborn, mean and spiteful young brat
She once stabbed a servant, just to watch the girl bleed, but there is no proof of that.
She spent most of her days, staring out at the sea, and dreaming of an exciting life,
Her father was firm, that she would learn her place, and make someone a dutiful wife.
So in secret she married, the sailor James Bonny, a penniless, dirty sea rat,
It’s said that they burned, her father’s place to the ground, but there is no proof of that.
The governor offered pardons, to all of the pirates, who swore to take up arms no more,
When Calico Jack, strode up from the docks, Anne knew just what she was meant for.
She met Jack on the street, with his colorful clothes, and his rakishly cocked pirate hat,
She promised she’d love him, and sail with him always, but there is no proof of that.
Their passion was fire, unbridled and wild, and very soon out of control,
‘Till her husband dragged her, to the governor’s court, and called her an adulterous whore.
She was sentenced to a flogging, and to return home, and everyone thought that was that,
That night she escaped, some say dressed as a boy, but there is no proof of that.
The two with Jack’s crew, stole a ship from the harbor, and her pirating days had begun,
Mary Reed joined the crew, and the girls became friends, and thought being pirates great fun.
Miss Bonny took a liking, to the boyish young Reed, even though she was promised to Jack,
It’s said the young women, had a sinful affair, but there is no proof of that.
They seized a great ship, the 12 ton William, ensuring their riches and fame,
The governor fumed, you’ve broken your vow, and have only yourselves to blame.
While he offered a bounty, the girls grew their legend, of vicious prowess in combat,
They say no man could match their bloodlust of talent, but there is no proof of that.
Their crew coward below, only three upon deck, and there was no sign of Jack,
Two women and their crewmate, were just not enough, to resist the governor’s attack.
With all of the crew, scheduled to hang, pregnancy gained both women a stay,
While still in prison, poor Mary died, as Anne saw Jack his last day.
“Had you fought like a man, you need not hang like a dog”, were her final words to her lover,
Then she disappeared, from the history books, no more facts left to uncover.
Rumor says she survived, as a mother and wife, and died old, contented and fat,
Like so many stories, of the pirate Anne Bonny...no, there is no proof of that.

credits

from Score, released May 5, 2020

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The Jolly Rogers Kansas City, Missouri

Pirates before pirates were cool. The Jolly Rogers were born as the Earth still cooled, waaaay back in 1991. Bringing maritime music, sea shanties, drinking and bawdy songs to audiences before pirates were all the rage, they've been a main stage act at venues across America and Europe. ... more

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