In 1915 on the tenth day of June
At Burke's wharf the Marion lay
Prepared for the Banks as was custom to do
All loaded with caplin for bait
The wind from the northwest, a fine summer breeze
As Ike Jones from St. Jacques he steered
And the boys in the focsle made plans for that night
When they'd all go ashore in St. Pierre
Some were uneasy, there'd be trouble they said
'Cause Ike Jones was noted to fight
And at the Cafe de France on the last trip he made
A Frenchman had threatened his life
The challenge to fight was issued that night
While the cheap French liquor ran free
The French captain then warned the Marion's men
He would answer their challenge at sea
Next day the Marion set sail again
And so to the story relays
The French beam trawler weighed anchor as well
And followed close by in her wake
She's a Fortune Bay schooner heading out for the Banks
With fine hardy Fortune Bay men
But some on the Cape were rumoured to say
She'd never be heard from again
The fate that befell the Marion's crew
And their schooner will never be known
Not a trace and no tidings were ever again
To be heard by those waiting at home
Some say the Frenchman was true to his word
Some say he confessed 'fore he died
That he scuttled the Marion and settled the debt
Not taking one man o'er the side
Families of Skinners and Vallis and Miles
Grieved for their loved ones on shore
And the Newfoundland story of loss to the sea
Was told as so often before
She's a Fortune Bay schooner sailing out from St. Jacques
With a fine crew of Fortune Bay men
But never no more will she pass by the light
With her jib flapping into the wind
No never no more will she pass by the light
With her jib flapping into the wind
The Loss of the Marion was written by Bud Davidge.