(Al Duvall, playing banjo solo and vocal, "For Shame, Captain Charlie," Edison Record.)
When the county aquarium opened the doors
I'd heard that the tank drew a line
Where horrible beasts that washed up on our shores
Are presented more dead than alive
From a sovereignty's tank, there's a hateful red eye
As I read the inscription, I must wonder why
This barnacled octopod carries your name
For shame, Captain Charlie, for shame
Was your vеssel a garbage scow piled up high?
Did you fly thе black flag o'er the waves?
Did you shanghai your crew and maroon them to die?
Did you trade in molasses and slaves?
Did you sneak on a lifeboat in bonnet and gown
As your shipmates and passengers slowly went down?
What meanness inspired that pitiful fame?
For shame, Captain Charlie, for shame