A few Australian versions of this song stem from the late 19th century and tell the tale of Jack's return from jail.
Dibdin's 1865 "Sea Songs and Ballads" has a poem called Jack Come Home, though the subject matter differs greatly.
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Oh, Jack's come home from sea today, All brown & bronzed was he. But his heart's as true as it was of yore, His spirit's light & gay You little know the joy we felt When he came home today Our Jack's come home today
Ch: Our Jack's come home today, Our Jack's come home today. The good ship Jane's in port again Our Jack's come home today
Our Jack's come home from sea today To make his Neil his bride With loving heart she ne'er despaired Though all hope within her died Her eyes grew dim, her cheeks grew pale, She slowly pinned away. All danger's past; he's safe at last, For he came home today.