Sloop John B.

The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio

We come on the sloop John B, my grandfather and me

Around Nassau town we did roam drinkin' all night

Got into a fight, well, I feel so break up

I want to go home

(I want to go home, so now)

Hoist up the John B's sails

See how the main sails set

Call for the captain ashore

Let me go home

(Let me go home)

Let me go home

(I want to go home)

I want to go home

(Why don't you let me go home?)

Well, I feel so break up

I want to go home

(I want to go home)

First mate, he got drunk

Broke up the people's trunk

Constable had to come and take him away

Sheriff John Stone

(Sheriff John Stone)

Why don't you leave me alone?

(Why don't you leave me alone?)

Well, I feel so break up

I want to go home

(I want to go home, so, now)

Well, the poor cook he caught the fits

Throw away all of my grits.

Then he took and he ate up all of my corn

Let me go home

(I want to go home)

I want to go home

(Why don't you let me go home?)

This is the worst trip since I've been born

(Since I have been born, so, now)

Hoist up the John B's sails

(John B. sails)

See how the main sails set

(Main sails set)

Call for the captain ashore

Let me go home

(Let me go home)

Let me go home

(I want to go home)

I want to go home

(Why don't you let me go home?)

Well, I feel so break up

I want to go home

(I want to go home)

Sloop John B.

The Kingston Trio's rendition of "Sloop John B." stands as a defining moment in the folk revival of the 1960s. Originally a traditional Bahamian sea shanty, the group transformed the track into a polished, harmonically rich anthem that showcased their signature tight vocal blend. Their recording helped propel the song to widespread popularity, establishing it as a staple of American folk music. The arrangement highlights the trio's ability to adapt traditional material for a contemporary audience, utilizing intricate harmonies and rhythmic precision. This version remains a benchmark for folk interpretations, demonstrating how the group elevated simple narrative songs into enduring classics. The track exemplifies the ensemble's broader contribution to popularizing folk traditions through accessible, high-quality studio performances.