This page last updated on 01/26/2019.

Copyright © 2001-2019 by Russ Meyer

This is Captain William Kidd's farewell speech just prior to his execution by hanging.  Executed in London on May 23^rd, 1701 for the crime of piracy against the ship Quedah Merchant.

My name was Captain Kidd, when I sail'd, when I sail'd,
And so wickedly I did,
God's laws I did forbid,
When I sail'd, when I sail'd.

I roam'd from sound to sound,
And many a ship I found,
And then I sunk or burn'd,
When I sail'd.

I murder'd William Moore,
And laid him in his gore,
Not many leagues from shore,
When I sail'd.

Farewell to young and old,
All jolly seamen bold,
You're welcome to my gold,
For I must die, I must die.

Farewell to Lunnon town,
The pretty girls all round,
No pardon can be found, and I must die, I must die,
Farewell, for I must die.

Then to eternity, in hideous misery, I must lie, I must lie.

                - Captain William Kidd