Another ballad that re-emerged from the 1960's folk revival is 'The Lowlands of Holland' , recorded by Martin Carthy, The Dubliners, later by The Levellers amongst many others.

Steeleye Span recorded a version around 1970, but their original take seemed a bit too jolly for the subject - a young woman who dedicates herself to the single life for the rest of her says after her lover drowns.

Steeleye Span slowed it down in a later version from 2000 and really seems to be far more effective

Steeleye Span - Lowlands of Holland (live 2000) - YouTube


The way I understand the lyrics is that the sea captain in question lost one ship and most of his crew. Built a smaller ship and then lost this ship and his life.