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Sea Shantys
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 7:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Holy Ground Once More


This an Irish set of lyrics to the tune: Old Swansea Town Once
More. The "Holy Ground" is a quarter of Cobh (once known as
Queenstown), which was inhabited mainly by fisherman. The tune is
also refered to as The Cobh Sea Shanty. It was popular on the
docks of Cork and Cobh as well as on the ships. The tune was
originally a capstan shanty. (A song sung as sailors turned the
capstan to raise the anchor.)

Lyrics

Fare thee well, my lovely Dinah,
a thousand times adieu.
We are bound away from the Holy Ground
and the girls we love so true.
We'll sail the salt seas over
and we'll return once more,
And still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
And still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.

Now when we're out a-sailing
and you are far behind
Fine letters will I write to you
with the secrets of my mind,
The secrets of my mind, my girl,
you're the girl that I adore,
And still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.

Chorus

Oh now the storm is raging
and we are far from shore;
The poor old ship she's sinking fast
and the riggings they are tore.
The night is dark and dreary,
we can scarcely see the moon,
But still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.

Chorus

It's now the storm is over
and we are safe on shore
We'll drink a toast to the Holy Ground
and the girls that we adore.
We'll drink strong ale and porter
and we'll make the taproom roar,
And when our money is all spent
we'll go to sea once more.
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2017 7:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Homeward Bound


Stan Hugill called this "the most popular homeward-bound shanty of them all."
It was sung at the capstan or the windlass. There were numerous versions of
this song. It is also known as "Goodbye, Fare-ye-well" or "Goodbye and Farewell"

Lyrics

Our anchor we'll weigh,
And our sails we will set.
Goodbye, fare-ye-well,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well.
The friends we are leaving,
We leave with regret,
Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound.

We're homeward bound,
Oh joyful sound!
Goodbye, fare-ye-well,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well.
Come rally the capstan,
And run quick around.
Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound.

We're homeward bound
We'd have you know
Goodbye, fare-ye-well,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well.
And over the water
To England must go,
Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound.

Heave with a will,
And heave long and strong,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well.
Sing a good chorus
For 'tis a good song.
Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound.

Hurrah! that good run
Brought the anchor a-weigh,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well.
She's up to the hawse,
Sing before we belay.
Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound.

'We're homeward bound,'
You've heard us say,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well,
Goodbye, fare-ye-well.
Hook on the cat fall then,
And rut her away.
Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound.
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2017 7:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Leave Her, Johnny


The "her" being left is not a woman, but the ship. This shanty was
traditionally sung when the ship was at port after it had docked. The
shanty was also known as "Leave Her Bullies", "Time for Us
to Leave Her". This song was used at the pumps, but it also served
the purpose of the seamen airing their grievances (hence it being
done at the end of a voyage). There were also several vulgar versions directed
at the food and the owners which cannot be printed here.

Lyrics

I thought I heard the old man say,
Leave her, Johnny, leave her,
It’s a long, hard pull to your next payday
And it’s time for us to leave her.

Chorus
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her,
Oh the voyage is done and the winds don’t blow,
And it’s time for us to leave her!

Oh, the skipper was bad, but the mate was worse.
Leave her, Johnny, leave her,
He’d blow you down with a spike and a curse,
And it’s time for us to leave her.

Chorus
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her,
For the voyage is done and the winds don’t blow,
And it’s time for us to leave her!

Oh pull you lubbers or you’ll get no pay.
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her,
Oh pull you lubbers and then belay,
And it’s time for us to leave her!

Chorus
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her,
For the voyage is done and the winds don’t blow,
And it’s time for us to leave her!

And now it’s time to say goodbye
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her,
Them pilings they is a-drawing nigh,
And it’s time for us to leave her!

Chorus
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her,
For the voyage is done and the winds don’t blow,
And it’s time for us to leave her!


Other verses:

Oh, I thought I heard the Ol' Man say,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
Tomorrow ye will get your pay,
An it's time for us to leave her!

The work wuz hard an' the voyage wuz long,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
The sea was high an' the gales wuz strong.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The wind was foul an' the sea ran high,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
She shipped it green an' none went by.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The grub was bad an' the wages low,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
But now once more ashore we'll go.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Oh, our Old Man he don't set no sail,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
We'd be better off in a nice clean gaol.
An it's time for us to leave her!

We'd be better off in a nice clean gaol,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
With all night in an' plenty o' ale.
An it's time for us to leave her!

She's poverty stricken a' parish-rigged,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
The bloomin' crowd is fever-stricked.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Oh, sing that we boys will never be
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
In a hungry bitch the likes o' she.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The mate was a bucko an' the Old Man a Turk,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
The bosun wuz a beggar with the middle name o' Work.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The Old Man swears an' the mate swears too,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
The crew all swears and so would you.
An it's time for us to leave her!

It's growl yer may an' go yer must,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
It matters not whether yer last or fust.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The winds wuz foul, all work, no pay [play]
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
To Liverpool Docks from 'Frisco Bay.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The ship won't steer, nor stay, nor wear,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
An' so us shellbacks learnt to swear.
An it's time for us to leave her!

She will not wear, nor steer, nor stay,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
Her sails an' gear all carried away.
An it's time for us to leave her!

We wuz made to pump all night an' day,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
An' we half-dead had beggar-all to say.
An it's time for us to leave her!

We'll leave her tight an' we'll leave her trim,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
We'll heave the hungry barstard in.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Oh, leave her, Johnny, an' we'll work no more,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
Of pump or drown we've had full store.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Leave her, Johnny, an' we'll leave her with a grin,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
There's many a worser we've sailed in.
An it's time for us to leave her!

The sails is furled an' our work is done,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
An now ashore we'll have our bit o' fun.
An it's time for us to leave her!

We'll make her fast an' stow our gear,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
The gals are a-waitin' on the pier.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Leave her, Johnny, ye can leave her like a man,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, oh, leave her while yer can.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Now I thought I heard the Old Man say,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
One more good heave an' then belay.
An it's time for us to leave her!



Other verses:

A rantin' mate an' a bully skipper too,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
On a leakin' ship an' a rotten, harping crew.
An it's time for us to leave her!

We're all of us old an' we're weak n' sad,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
Since we first joined this ruddy wooden-clad
[iron-clad].
An it's time for us to leave her!

Mahogany beef an' weevils in our bread,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
We wisht old Crackerhash Joe wuz dead.
An it's time for us to leave her!

Oh, Capen, now ye are gonna lose yer crew,
Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!
We've had enough of the ship, the grub an you.
An it's time for us to leave her!
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 4:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Maid of Amsterdam


This song first appearing in 1608 in a London play by Robert
Heywood - 'The Rape of Lucrece' and became very popular with
colonial sailors." Although some scholars claim it dates to
Elizabethan times. Short versions of the song are found in Great
Britian, Denmark, and France. As a shanty the song was used at
the pumps and windlass.

Lyrics

In Amsterdam there lived a maid
Mark well what I do say.
In Amsterdam there lived a maid,
And she was mistress of her trade.

Chorus
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.
A roving, a roving, since roving’s been my ruin
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.

Her lips were red, her eyes were brown,
Mark well what I do say.
Her lips were red, her eyes were brown,
And her hair was black and it hung right down,

Chorus
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.
A roving, a roving, since roving’s been my ruin
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.

I put my arm around her waist,
Mark well what I do say.
I put my arm around her waist,
Cried she,”Young man you’re in great haste.”

Chorus
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.
A roving, a roving, since roving’s been my ruin
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.

I took that maid upon my knee,
Mark well what I do say.
I took that maid upon my knee,
Cried she, “Young man, you’re much too free”;

Chorus
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.
A roving, a roving, since roving’s been my ruin
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.

I kissed that maid and stole away,
Mark well what I do say.
I kissed that maid and stole away,
She wept, “Young man, why won’t you stay“;

Chorus
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.
A roving, a roving, since roving’s been my ruin
I’ll go no more a roving with thee fair maid.


Other verses:

In Amsterdam there lived a maid
Mark you well what I say!
In Amsterdam there lives a maid,
And this fair maid my trust betrayed.

Chorus
I'll go no more a rovin, with you fair maid.
A roving, A roving, since roving's been my ru-i-in,
I'll go no more a roving, with you fair maid.

Her eyes are like two stars so bright
Mark you well what I say
Her eyes are like two stars so bright,
Her face is fair, her step is light.

Chorus

I asked this fair maid to take a walk,
Mark well what I do say
I asked this maid out for a walk
That we might have some private talk.

Chorus

Then I took this fair maid's lily white hand,
Mark well what I do say
I took this fair maid's lily white hand
In mine as we walked along the strand.

Chorus

Then I put my arm around her waist
Mark well what I do say!
For I put my arm around her waist
And from her lips snatched a kiss in haste!

Chorus

Then a great big Dutchman rammed my bow
Mark well what I do say
For a great big Dutchman rammed my bow,
And said, "Young man, dis bin mein vrow!"

Chorus

Then take warning boys, from me,
Mark well what I do say!
So take a warning, boys, from me,
With other men's wives don't make too free.

Chorus

For if you do you will surely rue
Mark well what I do say!
For if you do you will surely rue
Your act, and find my words come true.
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 4:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mrs McGraw


"Mrs. McGraw"" (also known as Mrs. McGrath", "My Son Ted",
and "The Sergeant and Mrs. McGrath") is an Irish folk song
set during the Peninsular War of the early nineteenth century.
The general theme of the song is one of opposition to war.
It was very popular among the Irish Volunteers in the years leading
up to 1916, and has been recorded by many singers and folk groups.

Lyrics

"Oh, Mrs. McGraw", the captain said,
"Would you like to make a pirate out of your son, Ted?
With a scarlet cloak and a fine cocked hat,
Oh, Mrs. McGraw wouldn't you like that?"

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

Now Mrs. McGraw lived on the seashore,
for the space of seven long years or more,
When she spied a ship sailing into the bay,
"It's my son Teddy, would you clear the way."

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

"Now my dear captain, where have you been?
Have you been out sailin' on the Medit-ter-in?
Have you any news of my son Ted?
Is the poor boy livin' or is he dead?"

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

Then up the steps Ted, without any legs,
And in their place, there were two wooden pegs.
She kissed him a dozen times or two,
Crying "Holy Moses, it couldn't be you!"

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

"Now was ya drunk, or was ya blind,
When you left your two fine legs behind?
Or was it out walking upon the sea,
That tore your legs, from the knees away?"

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

"No, I wasn't drunk, no I wasn't blind,
When I left my two fine legs behind.
But a big cannonball on the fifth of May,
Tore my two fine legs from my knees away."

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

"Now Teddy, me boy", the old widow cried,
Your two fine legs were your mommy's pride.
The stumps of a tree won't do at all,
Why didn't you run from that big cannonball?"

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah

"All foreign wars, I do profane,
Between Don John and the King of Spain.
I'd rather have my Teddy as he used to be,
Than the King of France and his whole navy!"

With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
With me too-rye-yaah
Foddle-diddle-daah
Too-rye, oh-rye, oh-rye-yaah
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Tue Mar 14, 2017 4:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nelson's Blood


Nelson's Blood was a nickname for grog. It was said that
to preserve Lord Nelson's body, after Trafalgar (1805),
it was placed in a barrel of rum aboard ship.
Shortly thereafter, some sailor's started to refer to
their daily ships ration of rum and water as "Nelson's Blood".
This shanty was used at the capstan and other jobs
aboard ship where a runaway chorus was required.
Like the song Drunken Sailor, it was a stamp and go shanty.
Verses could be added as long as necessary to complete a job.


Lyrics

Oh, a drop of Nelson's blood wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a drop of Nelson's blood wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a drop of Nelson's blood wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!

Oh, a plate of Irish stew wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a plate of Irish stew wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a plate of Irish stew wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!

Oh, a nice fat cook wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a nice fat cook wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a nice fat cook wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!

Oh, a roll in the clover wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a roll in the clover wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a roll in the clover wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!

Oh, a long spell in gaol wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a long spell in gaol wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a long spell in gaol wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!

Oh, a nice watch below wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a nice watch below wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a nice watch below wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!

Oh, a night with the gals wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a night with the gals wouldn't do us any harm
Oh, a night with the gals wouldn't do us any harm
And we'll all hang on behind.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the golden chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 3:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Old Swansea Town Once More


This song was originally a windlass and capstan shanty.
There were many other variations and sets of lyrics to this tune.

Lyrics

Oh! Farewell to you, my Nancy,
ten thousand times adieu,
I'm bound to cross the ocean girl,
once more to part from you;
Once more to part from you, fine girl!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

Now we're outward bound around Cape Horn,
to 'Frisco an' around,
I'll send you letters when we get there,
An' you'll know I'm homeward bound!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

Now when we're homeward bound, my dear
I'll bring you silks galore,
I'll bring you jewels an' rings an' things,
An ye won't wear the weeds no more!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

Now when we're leaving 'Frisco Town,
Outside of the Golden Gate,
I'll write my last letter to you, me dear
Then ye won't have so long to wait!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

An' when we're leavin' the old Fallerones,
bound for my o' Swansea,
I know ye'll pull gal, on the string,
For to haul me in from sea!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

An then when we're rounded old Cape Horn,
Climbin' the hill for home
Passed the Western Islands into the Bay
We'll have no further for to roam!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

An' then when we up the Channel do sail,
I'll pray that you'll be there,
To wait, me dear, on Swansea pier
My lovely presents for to share!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.

When Swansea Town we're off once more,
We'll see the lights so clear,
I know that's Nancy down on the pier
In her dimity apron dear!

Chorus:
You're the girl that I adore,
But still I live in hopes to see,
ol' Swansea Town once more,
You're the girl that I adore,
So take me ropes an' make me fast,
In ol' Swansea Town once more.
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Salty Dog
Sailing Master
Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 3:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Paddy, Lay Back


This was a capstan shanty. It is also known as "The Liverpool Song",
"Paddy, Get Back", "Mainsail Haul" and "Valparaiso Round the Horn".
The Panama Canal was opened to general traffic in 1914. Therefore,
this shanty (which sings of rounding the horn) dates before that time.
At least to the time of the Liverpool-New York packet ships (mid 1800s).

Lyrics

'Twas a cold an' dreary mornin' in December, (December)
An' all of me money it was spent (it was spent),
Where it went to Lord I can't remember (remember),
So down to the shippin' office I went, (went, went),

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

That day there wuz a great demand for sailors (for sailors),
For the Colonies and for 'Frisco and for France (an' for France),
So I shipped aboard a Limey barque the Hotspur (the Hotspur),
An' got paralytic drunk on my advance ('vance, 'vance),

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan-heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

Now I joined her on a cold December mornin',
A-frappin' o' me flippers to keep me warm.
With the south cone a-hoisted as a warnin',
To stand by the comin' 0' a storm.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

Now some of our fellers had bin drinkin',
An' I meself wuz heavy on the booze;
An' I wuz on me ol' sea-chest a-thinkin'
I'd turn into me bunk an' have a snooze.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I woke up in the mornin' sick an' sore,
An' knew I wuz outward bound again;
When I heard a voice a-bawlin' at the door,
'Lay aft, men, an' answer to yer names!'

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

'Twas on the quarterdeck where first I saw 'em,
Such an ugly bunch I'd niver seen afore;
For there wuz a bum an' stiff from every quarter,
An' it made me poor ol' heart feel sick an' sore.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

There wuz Spaniards an' Dutchmen an' Rooshians,
An' Johnny Crapoos jist acrosst from France;
An' most o' 'em couldn't speak a word o' English,
But answered to the name of 'Month's Advance'.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I wisht I wuz in the 'Jolly Sailor',
Along with Irish Kate a-drinkin' beer;
An' then I thought what jolly chaps were sailors,
An' with me flipper I wiped away a tear.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I knew that in me box I had a bottle,
By the boardin'-master 'twas put there;
An' I wanted something for to wet me throttle,
Somethin' for to drive away dull care.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

So down upon me knees I went like thunder,
Put me hand into the bottom o' the box,
An' what wuz me great surprise an' wonder,
Found only a bottle o' medicine for the pox.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I felt that I should skip an' join another,
'Twas plain that I had joined a lousy bitch;
But the chances wuz that I might join a worser,
An' we might git through the voyage without a hitch.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I axed the mate a-which a-watch wuz mine-O,
Sez he, 'I'II soon pick out a-which is which';
An' he blowed me down an' kicked me hard a-stern-O,
Callin' me a lousy, dirty son-o'-a-bitch.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

Now we singled up an' got the tugs alongside,
They towed us through the locks an' out to sea;
With half the crew a-pukin' o'er the ship's side,
An' the bloody fun that started sickened me.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

Although me poor ol' head wuz all a-jumpin',
We had to loose her rags the followin' morn;
I dreamt the boardin'-master I wuz thumpin',
When I found out he'd sent me around the Horn.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I swore I would become a beachie-comber,
An' niver go to sea no ruddy more;
For niver did I want to be a roamer ,
I'd shanghai the boardin'-master an' stay ashore.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

But when we got to bully ol' Vallaparaiser,
In the Bay we dropped our mud hook far from shore;
The ol' Man he refused ter let us raise 'er,
An' he stopped the boardin'-masters comin' aboard.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

I quickly made me mind up that I'd jump 'er,
I'd leave the beggar an' git a job ashore;
I swum across the Bay an' went an' left 'er,
An' in the English Bar I found a whore.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

But Jimmy the Wop he knew a thing or two, sir,
An' soon he'd shipped me outward bound again;
On a Limey to the Chinchas for guanner, boys,
An' soon was I a-roarin' this refrain.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!

So there wuz I once more again at sea, boys,
The same ol' ruddy business over again;
Oh, stamp the caps'n round an' make some noise, boys
, An' sing again this dear ol' sweet refrain.

Paddy, lay back (Paddy, lay back)!
Take in yer slack (take in yer slack)!
Take a turn around the capstan - heave a pawl - heave a pawl!
'Bout ship, stations, boys, be handy (be handy)!
For we're bound for Valaparaiser 'round the Horn!
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Salty Dog
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Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 3:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Plains of Mexico


This may have started out as a capstan shanty, but was also used as a
windlass shanty. As iron ships with pumps took the place of wooden ships,
it was adapted for pump work. As with other shanties, there are many
variations of this tune. One of which was called 'Santy Anna'.
Some speculate that the tune does not concern the Mexican General
Santa Ana, but Sainte Anne, the patron saint of Breton seamen.

Lyrics

Oh, Santy Anna gained the day
Aweigh, Santy Anna
Oh, Santy Anna gained the day
All on the plains of Mexico

Oh, Mexico, Oh Mexico
Aweigh, Santy Anna
Oh, Mexico, where I must go
All on the plains of Mexico

Them pretty girls I do adore
Aweigh, Santy Anna
Their shining eyes and long black hair
All on the plains of Mexico

Oh, why do them pretty girls love me so?
Aweigh, Santy Anna
Because I don't tell them all I know
All on the plains of Mexico

When I was a young man in my prime
Aweigh, Santy Anna
I danced them pretty girls two at a time
All on the plains of Mexico

Them Liverpool girls ain't got no comb
Aweigh, Santy Anna
They comb their hair with a kipper backbone
All on the plains of Mexico

The old man likes whiskey, the maids like rum
Aweigh, Santy Anna
The crew likes both but they can't get none
All on the plains of Mexico

Oh, times is hard and the wage is low
Aweigh, Santy Anna
It's time for us to roll and go
All on the plains of Mexico
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191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 6:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Randy Dandy O


This was a capstan or pump shanty. The lyrics on record below date back to at
least 1913. It's been said that they are a very cleaned up version of the actual
lyrics used by some of the old chantymen. As with many shanties, the verses used
at sea in the 18th and 19th century varied with time, location, and the skill of
the chantyman. Some were deemed to be just too vulgar for print back then.

Lyrics

Now we are ready to head for the Horn,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Our boots an' our clothes boys are all in the pawn,
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Heave a pawl, oh, heave away,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored,
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Soon we'll be warping her out through the locks,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Where the pretty young gals all come down in their flocks,
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Heave a pawl, oh, heave away,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored,
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Come breast the bars, bullies, an' heave her away,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Soon we'll be rollin' her 'way down the Bay,
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Sing goodbye to Sally an' goodbye to Sue,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
For we are the boy-os who can kick 'er through.
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Oh, man the stout caps'n an' heave with a will,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Soon we'll be drivin' her 'way down the hill.
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Heave away, bullies, ye parish-rigged bums,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Take yer hands from yer pockets and don't suck yer thumbs.
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

Roust 'er up, bullies, the wind's drawin' free,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Let's get the glad-rags on an' drive 'er to sea.
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!

We're outward bound for Vallipo Bay,
Way, ay, roll an' go!
Get crackin', m' lads, 'tis a hell o' a way!
Timme rollickin' randy dandy O!
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Posts: 10060



191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 6:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Roll Boys Roll


This song was a West Indian halyard shanty. It is one of the best of the
many 'Sally Brown' shanties. The lyrics shown below are from a version Stan
Hugill had. According to Hugill, the earliest reference to this shanty was
in the 1830s. As with many old shanties, there were evidently several obscene
verses in some of the 'Sally Brown' songs. Sally is usually referred to then
as a 'bright mulatter' or a 'coloured lady'. The second verse line below
"with a bone in her mouth, boys" refers to one of the sails which is slung
low in the front of a ship. If you are looking at a ship head on when that
sail is up it looks like the figurehead is holding something in her mouth.
The phrase "with a bone in her mouth, boys" became a specific reference
to heading southward with all sails up. The beginning of a voyage.

Lyrics

Sally Brown, she's the girl for me, boys
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Sally Brown, she's the girl for me, boys
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

Oh way down South, way down South boys
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Oh bound away, with a bone in her mouth boys
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

Oh we're rollin' down to Trinidad to see Miss Sally Brown
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Oh rollin' down to Trinidad to paint the bleedin' town
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

She's lovely up aloft, an' she's lovely down below
Roll boys, roll boys roll
She's lovely all the way, me boys, it's all you want to know
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

She's lovely on the foreyard, lovely on the main
Roll boys, roll boys roll
She's lovely in the summertime, she's lovely in the rain
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

Ol' Captain Baker, how do you store yer carga
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Some I stow for'ard, boys, an' some I stow aft'er
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

Oh, there's forty fathom or more below, boys
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Oh, forty fathom or more below, boys
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

Oh, way high ya, an' up she rises
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Oh, way high ya, the blocks is different sizes
Way high, Miss Sally Brown

Oh, one more pull, don't ya hear the mate a-bawlin?
Roll boys, roll boys roll
Oh, one more pull, that's the end of all the hawlin'
Way high, Miss Sally Brown
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191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 6:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Roll Me Hearties


This song is not an old shanty or sea song, but a popular modern-day
sea shanty band tune. Sung today to entertain, it keeps to the basic
shanty lyrical style, and would have made a good working shanty.
Performances by musical groups like this one are helping to keep some
of the old shanties and sea songs alive today with the public.


Lyrics

Our ship sailed out from Portsmouth town
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
She was a gallant ship both fore and aft
Now roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
And bring her about with a heave and a ho now
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!

A pirate crew with a captain bold
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Seeking ships for silver and gold
Now roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
There's a gale a-brewin', so bring her about now
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!

With Captain Thomson at her wheel
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
We took all ships with shot and steel
Now roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
And point her bow into the gale now
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!

We turned for port with gold in store
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
As we neared the rocks the mainsail tore
Now roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
The gale is here, God save us now, boys
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!

"We're lost me boys", the pilot said
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
"We're goin down, we'll all be dead!"
Now roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
With a terrible crash she broke into
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!

Their bones on the bottom, as white as snow
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
In the embrace of Davy Jones
Now roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
That pirate crew all roasts in hell now
Roll me hearties, heave - ho!
Roll me hearties, heave --- ho!
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191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 4:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rolling down to Old Maui

Lyrics

It's a damn tough life full of toil and strife
We whalemen undergo.
And we don't give a damn when the day is done
How hard the winds did blow.
For we're homeward bound from the Arctic ground
With a good ship, taut and free
And we don't give a damn when we drink our rum
With the girls of Old Maui.

Chorus:
Rolling down to Old Maui, me boys
Rolling down to Old Maui
We're homeward bound from the Arctic ground
Rolling down to Old Maui.

Once more we sail with a northerly gale
Through the ice and wind and rain.
Them native maids, them tropical glades,
We soon shall see again.
Six hellish months have passed away
One the cold Kamchatka Sea,
But now we're bound from the Arctic ground
Rolling down to Old Maui.

Chorus:
Rolling down to Old Maui, me boys
Rolling down to Old Maui
We're homeward bound from the Arctic ground
Rolling down to Old Maui.

Once more we sail with a northerly gale
Towards our island home.
Our mainmast sprung, our whaling done,
And we ain't go far to roam.
Our stuns'l bones is carried away
What care we for that sound?
A living gale is after us,
Thank God we're homeward bound.

Chorus:
Rolling down to Old Maui, me boys
Rolling down to Old Maui
We're homeward bound from the Arctic ground
Rolling down to Old Maui.

How soft the breeze through the island trees,
Now the ice is far astern.
Them native maids, them tropical glades
Is a-waiting our return.
Even now their soft brown eyes look out
Hoping some fine day to see
Our baggy sails runnin' 'fore the gales
Rolling down to Old Maui.

Chorus:
Rolling down to Old Maui, me boys
Rolling down to Old Maui
We're homeward bound from the Arctic ground
Rolling down to Old Maui.
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191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 4:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

South Australia


This was mainly a Halyard or Capstan shanty used by
the wool traders who worked the clipper ships between
Australia and England. It could be heard as a farewell song,
sung as these large ships were leaving English ports.


Lyrics

In South Australia I was born,
Heave away, oh haul away!
South Australia 'round Cape Horn,
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

As I walked out one mornin' fair,
Heave away, oh haul away!
'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

I shook her up, I shook her down,
Heave away, oh haul away!
I shook her all around the town.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

There's just one thing that grieves my mind,
Heave away, oh haul away!
To leave Miss Nancy Blair behind.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

Oh when we wallop around Cape Horn,
Heave away, oh haul away!
You'll wish to God you'd never been born.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

I wish I was in Australia's strand,
Heave away, oh haul away!
A glass of whisky in my hand.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

Port Adelaide's a grand old town,
Heave away, oh haul away!
There's plenty of girls to go around.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

South Australia's my native land,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Full of fleas, flies and sand.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

When I first shipped out to sea,
Heave away, oh haul away!
My girl said she'd be true to me.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

But when I next came back from sea,
Heave away, oh haul away!
A soldier had her on his knee.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.

A glass of rum in every hand,
Heave away, oh haul away!
And an extra bottle for the shantyman.
We're bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rollin' Kings,
Heave away, oh haul away!
Haul away you'll hear me sing,
We're bound for South Australia.
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191991 Gold -

PostPosted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 4:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spanish Ladies


This song was a capstan shanty,
sung as ships were homeward bound.
It dates back to around the late
eighteenth century, and was also
known as "Farewell and Adieu to You".


Lyrics

Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish Ladies,
Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain;
For we've received orders for to sail for ole England,
But we hope in a short time to see you again.
We will rant and we'll roar like true British sailors,
We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt sea.
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England;
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty five leagues.

We hove our ship to with the wind from sou'west, boys
We hove our ship to, deep soundings to take;
'Twas forty-five fathoms, with a white sandy bottom,
So we squared our main yard and up channel did make.
We will rant and we'll roar like true British sailors,
We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt sea.
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England;
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty five leagues.

The first land we sighted was called the Dodman,
Next Rame Head off Plymouth, off Portsmouth the Wight;
We sailed by Beachy, by Fairlight and Dover,
And then we bore up for the South Foreland light.
We will rant and we'll roar like true British sailors,
We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt sea.
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England;
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty five leagues.

Then the signal was made for the grand fleet to anchor,
And all in the Downs that night for to lie;
Let go your shank painter, let go your cat stopper!
Haul up your clewgarnets, let tacks and sheets fly!
We will rant and we'll roar like true British sailors,
We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt sea.
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England;
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty five leagues.

Now let ev'ry man drink off his full bumper,
And let ev'ry man drink off his full glass;
We'll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy,
And here's to the health of each true-hearted lass.
We will rant and we'll roar like true British sailors,
We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt sea.
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England;
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty five leagues.
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