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Once I was a schoolboy, on the shores I used to roam
And watch the boats go out to sea, at the setting of the sun
I thought I’d like the seafaring life but very soon I found
It wasn’t common sailing when we reached the fishing ground
It was "Heave on the trawl my boys, never mind the storm"
When we get the fish aboard we’ll have another haul
"Heave away the capstan, merrily heave away"
It’s the same old cry in the middle of the night
As it is in the early day
It’s the same old cry in winter as regular as the clock
Go and get your sea-boots on, put on your oil frock
When we’ve run in Rye Harbour pull the jib sheets down
We’ll lower away the mains’l lads tie up around the thought*
Then heave...
Quite a number of seafaring singers have, or had, a version of this song in their repertoire. Walter Barnes, a fisherman from Brixham in Devon, was recorded singing it for the BBC in 1943. Sam Lamer called it 'The Smacksman', although Charlie Gearing of Hastings, and 'Dinks' Cooper and Ted Quantrill, two Suffolk fishermen, all called it 'Heave on the Trawl'. (recorded at Camber Sands, Sussex by Mike Yates, 1979 - originally released on VT108)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain
Will your anchor drift or firm remain
(Chorus) We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roar
Fastened to the rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviours love
Will your anchor hold in the straights of fear
When the breakers roar and the reef is near
While the surges rage and the wild winds blow
Shall the angry waves then your back o’re flow
Will your eyes behold through the morning light
The city of gold and the harbour bright
Will your anchor safe by the heavenly shore
When my storms are passed for ever more
This comes from the 'Methodist Hymn Book' with wads were written by Priscilla Jayne Owens (1829-1899) and tune by W. J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), who also wrote Away in a Manger' and 'Jesus Saves'. (recorded at Staithes, North Yorkshire by John Howson 1987 - originally released on VT112)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Jennifer Pearson
A Topman and an Afterguard were walking one day
Says the Topman to the Afterguard I mean for to pray
For the rights of all sailors and the wrongs of all men
And whatever I do pray for
You must answer "Amen"
I pray for the bosun with his little stick
He bawls out "all hands" and gives us a lick
Strikes many a brave fellow and kicks him a’main
May the Devil double triple damn him
Says the Afterguard "Amen"
I’ll pray for the Purser who gives us to eat
Spewburgle, rank butter and musty horse meat
And weavley old biscuit while he gets the game
May the Devil double triple damn him
Says the Afterguard "Amen"
I’ll pray for the officers who hold back our due
We’re owed three years wages and prize money too
"You can’t have it yet Jack try next voyage again"
May the Devil double triple damn ‘em
Says the Afterguard "Amen
The next thing I’ll pray for is a pot of good beer
The Lord send good liquor to fill us with cheer
And while we have one pot may we also have ten
And never want for grog boys...
Says the Afterguard "Amen
In 1911, Cecil Sharp collected a version of the song 'The Mare and the Foal' from John Webb, a 70 year old singer from Warwickshire. Sharp thought that this song - which comprises a dialogue between the two animals - was a forerunner of the song 'The Sailor and the Soldier', which he had previously collected. Walter's 'Topman and the Afterguard' follows the same pattern and is clearly related to these two songs, although which came first is anyone's guess! (recorded at Knapton, Norfolk by Mike Yates, 1980 - originally released on VT109)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
Oh the Arabella set the main tops’l
Oh the Arabella set the main tops’l
Oh the Arabella set the main tops’l
Rolling down the river...
A’rolling down, a’rolling down,
A’rolling down the river
A’rolling down, a’rolling down
Said the bucko mate to the greasers wife
Oh a pumpkin pudding and a bulgine pie
a pumpkin pudding and a bulgine pie
a pumpkin pudding and a bulgine pie
Aboard the Arabella.
Oh the Arabella set the main gans’l etc...
Oh the Arabella sets the main roy-al etc...
Oh the Arabella set the main skys’l etc...
Oh the Arabella set the main stays’l etc...
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Tony Molynieux
You pretty maids of Greenwich of high and low degree
Pray never fix your fancies on the man that goes to sea
For seamen's wives lead careful lives when at their very best
For in my mind in stormy wind they can take but little rest.
Beside the many dangers that are upon the sea
When they are on the shore they will ramble where they please
It’s up and down in sea port town the seamen they do trade
And he that boast he spend the most, he’s a jolly blade.
I give you this advice now as you may understand
It being at the time when seamen come to land
For up and down in Greenwich town they’ll court both old and young
They will deceive, do not believe the sailors flattering tongue
Suppose you have a sailor who sails before the mast
If he’s best of husbands his breath is but a blast
The roaring waves their will have - there’s no man can with stand
And he may sleep in the ocean deep while you are on the land
Suppose you have a captain a person of great fame
And yet there is great danger in sailing on the main
For fate unkind and stormy wind might lay his honour low
And then his wife, with care for life laments his over throw
Give me an honest tradesman of high or low degree
I’ll never fix my fancies on a man who goes to sea
For a trades mans wife is a happy wife if he’s an honest man
He’ll take a share in all the care deny it if you can
Pretty Maids of Greenwich, which
Bob learnt from his mother, is something of a rarity today. Indeed, Bob's
version is the only one to be found in Steve Roud's extensive song and
broadside indices although undoubtedly at one time the song did feature on a
broadside or in a chapbook collection of songs. (recorded Patcham, Sussex by
Mike Yates 1989 - originally released on VT120)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
The fishermen of Cromer in North Norfolk fish mainly for crabs and in the evenings they used to meet in a pub not far from their boats. They would sing songs, but more than anything they would stepdance. Anglia Television made a film of such a gathering, and one after another the fishermen get up in their blue ganseys to out-step the one before. Here Bob plays the sort of medley that would be essential on such an occasion.
Tune notes: John Howson
Now "A" is for the anchor that hangs on our bow
And "B" is for the bowsprit which we ships in our bow
"C" is for the galley where the cook runs around
And "D" are for the Davits which we merrily run round
(Chorus) So merrily, so merrily so merrily are we
No mortal on earth like a bargemen at sea
Blow high or blow low as we’re sailing along
Give a bargemen his beer and there’s nothing goes wrong
"E" is for the ensign that fly at our peak
And "F" is for the fo’c’sle where the sailors do sleep
"G" is for the galley where the cook runs around
And "H" are the halyards all numbered and told.
"I" is for the irons all numbered and told
And "J" is the for the jib that we often let rip
"K" is for the cask at the bottom of our hold
And "L" is for the lamps all numbered and told.
"M" is for the mast, so stout and so strong
"N" is for the needle that never point wrong.
"O" is for the oars we all pull in each boat
And "P" is for the pumps that keep us afloat.
"Q" is for the quarter-deck where the captain do stand
And "R" is for the rudder that steer us along
And "S" is for the sails that run at our fore
"T" is for the topsail that pull at our fore
"U" is for the Union Jack that fly at our door
And "F" is the baying at our fore
And "W" is the wheel, we all take our turn
And "X","Y" and "Z" is the name on our stern
The alphabet song is of considerable antiquity: one version beginning A was for archer' dates back to the reign of Queen Anne. In the nineteenth century there was a comic Cockney alphabet A for 'orses, B for mutton, T for two. It seems many occupations have a similar song, but was particularly prevalent amongst seafarers; the letters of the alphabet explained the parts and w
orking of the vessels. Harold's version is difficult to follow at times, yet he certainly gets the spirit of the song. There are several other recorded nautical versions which have much clearer rhymes, particularly those of Sam Lamer and Johnny Doughty. The final verse of Harold's version, which concludes with the names on the stern fits well with his description of barge names: "Easter Monday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, they were all barge names. There was Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 'cause there's seven names for a start. Then, Old Year, New Year, These Sisters, Three Sisters, Four Sisters. Well, when you'd got a fleet of barge names they had to think of hundreds of names!"Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson
A sailor from Dover from Dover he came
He courted pretty Sally and Sally was her name
Sweet Sally grew lofty, her portion grew high,
That she, on her sailor, could scarce cast an eye.
Till six weeks were over and six weeks were past,
That beautiful damsel she grew sick at last
Her heart was entangled, she knew not for why
She sent for the sailor whom she had denied.
"Oh Sally, sweet Sally, oh Sally" said he
"An I the young man whom you sent to sea?"
"Oh yes you are the Doctor who can either kill or cure
For the pain I have to bear love is hard to endure".
"But Sally, sweet Sally, sweet Sally"said he
"Don’t you remember when you first slighted me?
When you first slighted me love and treated me with scorn
And now I will reward you for what you have done".
"But what is past and done love forget and forgive
And I will prove constant as long as I live"
"Oh no pretty Sally not while I have breath
I’ll dance on your grave love when you lie underneath"
Edwardian song collectors have linked this song with the ballad 'The Brown Girl' (Child 295). According to Maud Karpeles, "The main difference lies in a reversal of the sexes. Here it is the woman and not the man who falls sick and is spurned by a former lover. Otherwise there are many common elements." (Cecil Sharp's Collection of English Folk Songs, Vol. 1, 1974. ). Sets have been collected not only in England, but also in Scotland (by Gavin Greig), in Newfoundland (by Maud Karpeles) and in the Appalachian Mountains of North America (by Cecil Sharp). An American recording, by Archie Sturgill, can be heard on the CD Close to Home (Smithsonian Folkways SFCD 40097). (recorded at Billinghurst, Sussex by Mike Yates 1985 - originally released on VT107)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
Beyond the sea (beyond the sea)
That rose between (that rose between)
This world of care (this world of care)
And things unseen (and things unseen)
There is a land (there is a land)
Of endless green (of endless green)
Where all our tears (where all our tears)
Are wiped away (are wiped away)
(Chorus) Beyond the sea (beyond [the restless rolling sea]) (beyond the sea)
I hear my love (I hear my love)
Gently calling me (gently calling me)
I soon shall live (I soon shall live)
Above the shores of time ( above the shores of time)
And dwell forever (and dwell forever)
In Gods celestial clime (in Gods celestial clime)
Beyond the sea (beyond the sea)
Lies heavens fair shore (lies heavens fair shore)
Where all our sins (where all our sins)
And cares are or’e (and cares are or’e)
Where care and toil (where care and toil)
Have passed away (have passed away)
Where weary feet (where weary feet)
No more shall stray. (shall no more stray)
Beyond the sea (beyond the sea)
There’s rest and peace (there’s rest and peace)
Where Jesus be (where Jesus be)
His children come (his children come)
Beyond the sea (beyond the sea)
The tempered sea (the tempered sea)
Where angles sing (where angels sing )
Our welcome home (our welcome home)
This comes from the 'Redemption Hymn Book' and was written and arranged by J.
Lincoln Hall and published by Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Co. (recorded at
Staithes, North Yorkshire by John Howson, 1987 - originally released on VT112)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Jennifer Pearson
Stormy Weather Boys
Now it’s four -o- clock and out we jump
And we’re heavin’ up the anchor and try the pump
Stormy weather boys, windy weather boys
When the wind blow the barge will go
As we got to Orford Ness
The wind flew down from the nor-nor-west
Stormy weather boys, windy weather boys
When the wind blow the barge will go
As we got to Harwich pier
Young and old got h’up to steer
Watch us get our cod on deck
And we hit ‘em on the head with a damn great stick
Stormy weather boys, windy weather boys
When the wind blow the ship will go
Now we broke our [borstal] level with the stern
And we unstick the stump and we stuck it out again
Stormy weather boys, windy weather boys
When the wind blow the barge will go
Often called 'The Cod Banging Song' or 'The Smacksman's life at Sea', this song is normally associated with the fishing trade, so it is unusual to find the wind blowing a barge. It isa popular song in East Anglia, with recorded versions from Bob Roberts and Bob Hart. Sussex's Johnny Doughty also had a version, but with Orford Ness here in the second verse, there is no doubting that Harold learned it locally. (recorded at Ipswich, Suffolk by John Howson, 1985 - originally released on VT105)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson
Now what shall we do with the herring’s head?
We’ll make them into loaves of bread
Herring’s heads and loaves of bread
And lots of other things
For all the fishes in the sea
The herring it is the fish for me
Fol - lo- do-rue-da li-do
Fol-lo-da rue da li
Now what shall we do with the herrings eyes
We’ll make them into puddings and pies
Herrings eyes and puddings and pies
Herrings heads and loaves of bread
And lots of other things
For all the fishes in the sea
The herring it is the fish for me
Fol - lo- do-rue-da li-do
Fol-lo-da rue da li
Now what shall we do with the herrings fins
We’ll make them into needles and pins
Herrings fins and needles and pins
Herrings eyes and puddings and pies
Herrings heads and loaves of bread
And lots of other things
For all the fishes in the sea
The herring it is the fish for me
Fol - lo- do-rue-da li-do
Fol-lo-da rue da li
Now what shall we do with the herrings backs
We’ll make them into boys and Jacks
Herrings backs and boys and Jacks,
Etc ....
Now what shall we do with the herrings bellies
We’ll make them into girls and Nellies
Herrings bellies and girls and Nellies
Etc..
Now what shall we do with the herrings tails,
We’ll make them into ships and sails
Herrings tails and ships and sails
Etc..
This tongue twister seems to have found its way into most country and seafarer's repertoires, although it is not of great antiquity. The earliest version of the song, better known as 'The Red Herring' or the 'Jolly Herring', is a manuscript of 1831. Ritual origins have been suggested but it was more likely to have been sungjust for the fun of it. Ted first heard this song in Redlingfield Crown. (recorded at Wingfeld, Suffolk by John Howson, 1985 - originally released on VT105)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson
Caroline and her Young Sailor Bold
It’s of a rich Nobleman's daughter, uncommon hansom we hear
Who’s father possessed a large fortune, of thirty five thousand a year
He had only the one daughter, Caroline b’name so we’re told
One day from her drawing room window she admired a young sailor bold.
His cheeks they appeared like the roses his hair was as black as jet
Young Caroline watched his deportment - walking round until William she met
She said "I’m a nobleman's daughter- possessed of ten thousand in gold
I’ll forsake both my father and mother for to wed with a young sailor bold.
Said William "Young lady remember your parents you are bound to mind
On sailors there is no depending when their true loves they’ve left far behind
Be advised stay behind with your parents and do by them as you are told
And never let anyone tempt you for to wed with a young sailor bold".
She said "there’s no one shall persuade me one moment to alter my mind
I shall ship and proceed with my true love he never shall leave me behind"
She dressed like a gallant young sailor, forsook both her parents and gold
Three years and a half on the salt seas she’s ploughed with her young sailor bold.
Three times with her love she was shipwrecked but always proved constant and true
Her duty she did like a sailor, aloft in her jacket so blue
Her old father long wept and lamented, from his eyes tears in torrents long rolled
Till at last they arrive safe in England, Caroline and her young sailor bold
Then Caroline went to her father still dressed in her jacket so blue
He received her then instantly fainted, when first that she hove into view
She said "Dear Father forgive me deprive me forever of gold
Grant me my request I’m contented for to wed with my young sailor bold."
With all troubles at sea far behind him and a love that would last throughout life
With her fond parents joy and their blessing Caroline soon became Williams wife
They wedded and Caroline’s fortune was five hundred thousand in gold
And now they live happy together Caroline and her young sailor bold.
One of the best-known, and certainly best-loved, songs from the early Victorian broadside press. Caroline is almost unique in that it is attributed on some sheets to a named composer, J. Morgan, who is known to have been employed as a song-writer at one time by James Catnach. In most versions the words are carried on a tune that is also used for the song 'The Rakish Young Fellow'. This has been a widely recorded song and those of Suffolk's Tony Harvey, Fermanagh's Maggy Murphy, Norfolk's Walter Pardon and Galway's Joe Heaney are particularly worth hearing. (recorded at Pease Pottage, Sussex by Mike Yates and John Howson, 1988 - originally released on VT115)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
The Captain and the Mate
Our captain he knows a lot of fine yarns, I know they must be true
He tells these yarns unto his Mate, while out on the ocean blue
I’ll tell you a yarn about a man - a builder he was by trade
Who built a chimney five miles high - and all of the bricks he made
Along came another who said "I think - I can do better than that
I’ll mix all the mortar and make all the bricks as sure as me name is Pat
He built it up so high, it reached beyond the sky
They had to take a brick or two off to let the moon go by!
(Chorus) Oh the captain told the mate, the mate he told the crew
The crew told me so I know it must be true
You hear some funny yarns when your sailing on a trip
And that’s a little yarn I heard aboard of a ship, ship, ship, SHIP, ship!
Now our captain went a’fishing once and caught a giant fish
It was so large, oh twice as large as anyone could wish
But when he got it to the shore he received a shock oh lore
It was so large the river swelled some twenty miles or more
Our captain says he begs to state, the crew also the mate
He clean forgot the name of the fish but he used a whale for bait!
Now our captain once was in New York , he saw a clever cove
There in the bar upon the floor there stood a red hot stove
Now just to show what he could do - he lifted up his fist
He hit the stove and dented it ‘cause he was a pugilist
When he went out another came in and they told him what had been done
He said that the boys arn’t better than him and I show you a trick for fun
Excitement grew intense, he proved himself immense
He climbed inside of the red hot stove and threw out all the dents
Now our captain once he was shipwrecked upon a desert shore
The place was uninhabited and he’d never been there before
Our captain as you all may know he had a nerve of iron
When suddenly he came face to face with such a roaring lion
Oh a beast of a lion, he made a spring, opened it’s mouth so wide
Right down it’s throat he shoved his fist and it went right inside
It’s true without a doubt, he gave a mighty shout
He grabbed the lion by the tail - and turned it inside out
Now I’ll tell you a tale about a goat that swallowed a cowboy shirt
The shirt it was a red one and the cowboy he was hurt,
He swore for this he’d kill the goat, but swearing sometimes fails
Though he took it to the railroad and tied it to the rails
Oh poor little goat, wanted to live had an idea so fine
The night shirt gave him pain - so he coughed it up again
And waggled the nightshirt by the tail and quickly stopped the train
'Yarns' or 'The Captain and the Mate' was composed and arranged by W.H. Wallis and was published by Francis Day & Hunter in 1901 when it was sung by George Brooks. John Winter learned it from a local singer called Phil Jarvis and John remembered one particular performance of it: "One night he sung that and he got to the bit about hitting the stove and denting it. He hit the table and his false teeth flew out onto the floor! He picked them up, popped them back in and carried right on singing. " (recorded at Southwold, Suffolk by John Howson, 1987 - originally released on VT105)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson
As I was a walking down Watchet Swing Street
A jolly old ship mate I chanced for to meet
Said I "Hello sailor and welcome to home
In season to Watchet I think you have come
You remember once courting a pretty young maid
Well you’ve been so long gone now she’s going to be wed
Well tomorrow at Bristol the wedding’s to be
And I am invited this thing for to see.
Jack went a got a licence that very same night
And he walked up to Bristol as soon as t’was light
He sat in the Temple church yard for a while
Till he saw the bride coming which caused Jack to smile.
He went and he took that fair maid by the hand
"You’re going to be married so I understand
Well if you’re to marry then you must be mine
So I have come here for to balk your design
Now "alas" cried the maiden "now what can I do
Yes I know I was solemnly promised to you
But the sailors my true love and I’ll be his bride
There’s none in the world I can fancy beside
Then the sailor he roared like a man who is mad
"I’m ruined, I’m ruined, I’m ruined" he said
Oh you who have sweethearts - get wed while you may
Or else those Jack tars they will take them away
Although Cecil Sharp collected three versions of this song - two in Somerset and one in Sussex - and Helen Creighton found it being sung as far away as Nova Scotia (Traditional Songs from Nova Scotia, 1950), this is not a particularly common song. Freda Palmer, an Oxfordshire singer, sang bits of it, unlike George who, thankfully, knew the song in its entirety. (recorded at Horton, Somerset by John Howson. 1995 - originally released on VT133)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamaraSong notes: John Howson
Live Herrings, deaf and dumb Bloaters
Cock eyed binkles paralysed shrimps
Stick back whiting, humpback mackerel
All caught fresh today lady
I must be known for miles around I’m on the road most everyday
"I hope the herring hawker call"s I hear the women say
There’s scarcely a house upon my round that ever I pass by
And the women they comes out with their plates when I begin to cry
(Chorus) Fine Yarmouth, fine Yarmouth, all fresh from the sea
Their bright in the eye and they’re fresh as can be
Grill them over the fire or on the side on the hob
Six herrings a tanner, fourteen for a bob
I load my cart up in the morning off the train from Yarmouth town
And when I’ve loaded up me cart I sets off on my round
With a half pint in the Kings Head or maybe in the Volunteer
And I still can go on selling fish while I drinks up me beer
I meets all kinds of customers and I treats them all the same
There’s one old girl who wanted trust - I won’t tell you her name
I said I can’t sell fish on trust my dear or surely I’ll go smash
So in God I always put my trust - all others they pay cash
Johnny learnt the cry 'Live Herrings' from fish sellers along the sea front at Brighton. It appears to be unique to Brighton, no other version having been collected elsewhere. (recorded at Camber Sands, Sussex by Mike Yates, 1977 - originally released on VT108)
Another fish seller's cry from the days when herrings were cheap and plentiful. Fred told me of this song: "I learned that off an old chap, who used to live in Kenton, called Smelters. He used to sing that in Kenton Crown. When I was a kid standing outside, I used to hear him singing that and that's how 1 learned it." It was probably locally penned. (recorded at Kenton, Suffolk by John Howson, 1985 - originally released on VT105)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates & John Howson
Jesus, at thy command
I launch into the deep
And leave my native land
Where sin loves all asleep
For thee I would the world resign
For thee I would the world resign
And sail to heaven with thee and thine
And sail to heaven with thee and thine
Now at my quiet wise
My compass is thy word
My soul each storm defies
While I have such a Lord
I trust thy faithfulness and power
I trust thy faithfulness and power
To save me in the trying hour
To save me in the trying hour
Come help me wing and blow
the prosperous gale of grace
To offer all below
to help my resting place
Then in full sail my port I’ll find
Then in full sail my port I’ll find
And leave the world and sin behind
And leave the world and sin behind
Then in full sail my port I’ll find
Then in full sail my port I’ll find
And leave the world and sin behind
And leave the world and sin behind
This one is in the Primitive Methodist Hymnal of 1889 and was written by Augustustas Montigue Toplady The tune that the choir use is called 'Hollingsworth'. (recorded at Staithes, North Yorkshire by John Howson, 1987 - originally released on VT112)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Jennifer Pearson
‘Twas early, early in the spring
I went on board for to serve my king
And leaving the loved one that I left behind
She would now enquire of her sailor boy
I built my nest on a little wee boat
And on the winey ocean I’ll do float
And every big steamer that came passing by
She now would enquire of her sailor boy
She went straight out And she went on board
Crying captain, captain is my Willy here
What colour is your Willy’s clothes
His trousers white and his jacket blue
His curly locks fill my heart with woe
Oh no my darling he is not here
He’s dead and drownded I do declare
For in yonder sea where the wind blows high
That's where I left your young sailor boy
She went straight home and she went upstairs
And not a word to her mother said
Her mother followed her behind
And asked what was the matter with her daughter pray
Oh fetch me a chair and a pen and ink
A pen and ink and I’ll write it down
And every line I’ll shed a tear
And every verse farewell Willy my dear
Her father came home and he went in search
He went in search for his daughter pride
He went upstairs and behind the door
He saw his daughter hanging by a chord
He got his knife and he cut her down
And in her pocket this note he found
Dear father dear father dig me a grave
And line it out with lilys brave
And for my tombstone place a turtle dove
To shoe the world wide I died for love
A highly popular song that probably dates from the 18th century. Cecil Sharp noted no less than eleven English versions, usually under the title 'Sweet William', as well as finding a dozen further sets in the Appalachian Mountains of North America. Norman's final verses - where the girl is discovered by her father- are sometimes found as a separate song, entitled 'Died for Love'. Maggy Murphy of Co.Fermanagh also sings a fine version. (recorded Hawkesbury Upton, Avon, by Mike Yates, 1975 - originally released on VT112)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
It was Scarborough in the castle. where a fair young couple dwell.
She dearly loved her sailor boy and he loved her as well.
For they were going to get married when dark deceived the eye.
For instead of getting married they had a watery grave.
Now one day as this fair young lass was a’walking from the harbour to the main.
She spied her drownded sailor come a floating by her side.
She quickly step-ped out to it and like a child did cry.
For she knew it was her own true love by the marks upon his eye.
She kissed him and caressed him ten thousand times and more.
She said "Now I have found you, I’ll lay down by your side".
But it was there a fair young couple dwelt a tear and a watery grave.
Now it was Scarborough, in the churchyard, where this fair young couple lay.
With a tombstone at their head and feet, and on the words are wrote:
Come all you fair young court-ers, don’t let this pass your way,
For it was there a fair young couple dwelt, met a tear and watery grave.
This song is often called the 'The Drowned Lover' or 'The Drowned Sailor'. It has been recorded all over Britain and America but it is generally agreed to be of Yorkshire origin. It is said to tell of an actual event affecting a young girl who lived in Stow Brow near Whitby. However, when Harold sang it to me, he started with the statement: "Now here's a local song!" - and he may actually be right, as the song has antecedents in a ballad of 1673 which deals with a woman's grief at finding the drowned body of the Earl of Sandwich after the Battle of Sole Bay, off the coast of Southwold in Suffolk. (recorded at Ipswich, Suffolk by John Howson, 1985 - originally released on VT105)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara & John Howson
Song notes: John Howson
Oh here we come home on a leaky ship
Leaky ship, leaky ship
And here we come home on a leaky ship
And away boys away
The old man shouts "the pumps stand by"
pumps stand by, pumps stand by
Oh we can never suck her dry
And away boys away
Oh leave her Johnny we can pump no more
pump no more, pump no more
Pump or drown we’ve had full score
And away boys away
It’s pump or drown the Old Man said
Old Man said, Old Man said,
Or else damn soon you’ll all be dead
And away boys away
Oh heave her round or we shall drown
we shall drown, we shall drown
Oh don’t you feel her settling down
And away boys away
Heave her round those pump poles bright
pump poles bright, pump poles bright
There’ll be no sleep for us tonight
And away boys away
The starboard pump is like the crew
like the crew, like the crew
It’s all worn out and it will not do
And away boys away
Oh leave her Johnny we can pump no more
pump no more, pump no more
It’s time we were upon dry shore
And away boys away
In the 1998 Folk Music Journal, Robert Walser suggests that the only known source of this song is William Fender, who sang it to James Madison Carpenter, the American folklorist, c.1929130. He called it 'Here we Come Home in a Leaky Ship'. MT (recorded at Aberdovey, North Wales by Stan Ambrose, 1991 - originally released on VT127)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamaraSong notes: Tony Molynieux
I courted a pretty little mermaid and to kiss her was my wish
But like a little eel she slipped away and I never heard from that fish
Till her Mother brought her back a gain she did look so pale
It was a very funny thing to see the old mermaid - she would shake hands with her tail
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Down in the diving bell that’s the place for me
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Pretty little mermaid, pretty little mermaid came and courted me.
Down in the diving bell you see thing that make you laugh
The clothes I admit were made out of the Atlantic telegraph
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Because it was very wet there t’was a very poor place to dry
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Down in the diving bell that’s the place for me
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Pretty little mermaid, pretty little mermaid came and married me.
The church that we were married in was built of oyster shell
The crayfish wore a gown of gold and the codfish tolled the bell
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Pretty little mermaid, pretty little mermaid came and married me.
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Down in the diving bell that’s the place for me
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Pretty little mermaid, pretty little mermaid came and married me.
There was ham and lamb and sugar and jam and spice ball up to date
Poor old father Higgings he sat down to lick the plate
But the plate contained a mustard that made poor father shout
For he got up and jumped about they thought he had gone wild
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Down in the diving bell that’s the place for me
Down in the diving bell at the bottom of the sea
Pretty little mermaid, pretty little mermaid came and married me.
This was a popular song in Padstow. Tommy and the legendary Charlie Bate probably learned it from another local singer, Harry Lightfoot. It has it's roots in the Music Hall where it was sung by 'Champagne Charlie' George Leyboume. It was written by Alfred Lee and published by John Brockley in c.1863. (
recorded at Wadebridge, Cornwall by John Howson, 1992 - originally released on VT122)Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson & John Garrett
A lad and a lassie they were standing
All alone by that silvery tide
When some of his ship mates were passing
Yes, they stopped and they called him aside
"She’s not good enough for you " some said
She could drag your good name to the ground
But the answer he gave to them all was
"I shall marry this beautiful girl".
Although she’s not a lady
Brought up in high society
Don’t you ever tell me she will ruin my life
For I love this little girl
And to all of you I will tell
If she’s good enough o flirt with
Then she’s quite good enough for my wife.
She’s more to be pitied than laughed at
She’s more to be helped than despised
She is not a stranger from London
But she was brought up before your own eyes.
So if any of you try to despise her
Or drag her good name to the ground
Come boys stand by and consider
That a man was the cause of her shame
Although she’s not a lady
Brought up in high society
Don’t you tell me that she will ruin my life
For I love this little girl
And to all of you I will tell
If she’s good enough o flirt with
Then she’s quite good enough for my wife
When researching this song the first possibility that turned up was 'She's more to be pitied than censured', but that is in fact a completely different song. The actual title for this one is 'She's Good Enough to be my Wife'. It was written by Charles Deane and Harry Castling and published in 1898 by Howard & Co. when it was sung by Milner Verren. (
recorded at Lowestoft, Suffolk by John Howson, 1986 - originally released on VT104)Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson
There was an old sailor came over the seas
Ha-ha but I won’t have him
Came over the seas on purpose for me
With his old grey noddle, old grey noddle , old grey noddle a shaking
My mother told me to bring him a chair
Ha-ha but I won’t have him
I brought him a chair, but he sat like a bear
With his old grey noddle, old grey noddle , old grey noddle a shaking
Then mother said won’t you bring him a stool ...
I brought him a stool but he sat like a fool
Then Mother she said you should cook him some tart
I made him some tart he said "thank you sweetheart"
Then mother said will I put him to bed
I put him to bed but I wished he was dead
Then mother said would I hurry and wed
I said I’d not wed - so I shot him instead
Many collectors have linked this song with 'The Baillie of Benwick', a song which tells more or less the same story. Alfred Williams found it in the Thames Valley and Robert Bell included a text in his Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England (1857). An American traditional version was recorded commercially in 1929 by the Virginian singer and musician A.C.'Uncle Eck' Dunford. (recorded at Billinghurst, Sussex by Mike Yates, 1985 - originally released on VT108)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
Who will man the lifeboat who is strong and brave
Many souls are drifting, countless on the wave
See their hands uplifted hear their bitter cry
Save us ere we perish, save us ere we die
Who will man the lifeboat who will launch away
Who will help to rescue dying souls today
Who will land the lifeboat who will wrest the wave
Whom the dangers braving precious souls to save
See amid the breakers yonder vessel tossed
Onward to the rescue - haste or all is lost
Winds that dash around us cannot overwhelm
While our faithful pilot standeth at the helm
Who will man the lifeboat who will launch away
Who will help to rescue dying souls today
Who will land the lifeboat who will wrest the wave
Whom the dangers braving precious souls to save
Darker yet and darker grows the fearful night
Sound the trump of mercy blush the single light
There the joyful message ore the raging waves
Christ the heavenly pilot come to us to save
Who will man the lifeboat who will launch away
Who will help to rescue dying souls today
Who will land the lifeboat who will wrest the wave
Whom the dangers braving precious souls to save
This is an Ira D. Sankey hymn from the Songs of Triumph, Book 1. The tune is that of 'I will work for Jesus' which was written by J. W Van De Venter John Pearson, the choir's leader set this hymn to the tune. (recorded at Staithes, North Yorkshire by John Howson, 1987 - originally released on VT112)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Jennifer Pearson
We shot our nets as the sun went down
Not many miles from old Yarmouth town
We let ‘em drift till the sun was high
And along our nets the gulls did fly.
We hauled our nets in one by one
Each net it seemed to weigh a ton
Till the fish holds were full and the decks piled high
While around our heads the gulls did fly
Our Skipper looked towards the shore
He said the poor old gal can’t take no more
He shook his head and then he say
The last three nets we’ll have to cut away
So we staggered back home with our catch
Sure no other boat had won the match
We tied her up with a final pull
And then we found the market full.
Our Skipper said there’s a fine how-d’do
Then turned to us who were the crew
He said there’s only one last chance we’ve got
Is sell ‘em to the Dutch else dump the lot
So back again to sea we went
We met our sister boat the "Good Intent"
We tied up in Holland late that night
And there we found the market right
We sold our herring catch and we sold it well
And the crossing back was a rough as hell
Two days on the bottle when we’re ashore
Then it’s back again to sea once more
Not the well-known Ewan MacColl song which goes under this name, but an older local song. Fred told me that it was at least fifty years old (in 1985) and it was another learned in Westleton Crown where he said, 'All the fishermen sang it." (
recorded at Kenton, Suffolk by John Howson, 1985 - originally released on VT105)Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: John Howson
Spanish Ladies
Farewell and adieu all you fine Spanish Ladies
Farewell and adieu you fine ladies of Spain
For we’ve received orders to sail for old England
And we hope in a short time to see you again.
(Chorus) We’ll rant and we’ll roar like true British sailors
We’ll rant and we’ll roar the rest of our lives
We’ll drink and be merry and drown melancholy
And here’s a good health to all sweethearts and wives
We hove our ship to with the wind at south west boys
We hove our ship to - two strikes soundings clear
We let go our topsails and bore right away boys
And straight up the channel our course we did steer.
The signal was made for the grand fleet to anchor
We furled our top sails stuck out tacks and sheets
We stood by our stop as we brailed in our spanker
And anchored ahead of the noblest of fleets
Then let every man drink up his full bumper
Then let every man drink up his full glass
For we will be jolly and drown melancholy
And drink a good health to each true hearted lass
According to Cecil Sharp, "This is a Capstan Chantey (which) is also well known in the Navy, where it is sung as a song, chanteys not being permitted. "Versions have turned up all over England - probably as a result of the popularity of the broadside text printed c.1820 by John Pitts and subsequent printers - and it has proved especially popular along the eastern seaboard of North America, word sets being found repeatedly in both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Most versions, including that sung by Walter, show little variation from the broadside text. (recorded at Knapton, Norfolk by Mike Yates, 1982 - originally released on VT108)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
This is typical Norfolk step dance tune, related to the Manchester Hornpipe and wide- spread throughout East Anglia. In Suffolk it is often known as the ‘Pigeon on the Gate’. Dick Hewitt spent a lot of time stepping with the fishermen in Cromer and Percy Brown was always a popular visitor to play for the dancing.
Tune
notes: John Howson
As I was a’fishing off Dungeness light
Shooting and hauling all through the long night
(Chorus) In this windy old weather
Stormy old weather
When the wind blows
We’ll all pull together
When up spoke the cod with his great big head
Hold hard there Skipper I’ll go chuck the lead
Then up spoke the herring, the king of the sea,
In this stormy weather you’ll never catch me
When up spoke the place with spots on his side
Now look here skipper these sea you can’t ride
Then up spoke the mackerel with stripes on his back
Hold hard there Skipper I’ll shift the jib tack
Then up spoke the sprat, the smallest of all
Come on there Skipper let’s give the mans trawl
Then up spoke the Skipper - it’s true what they say
We’ll all hump our trawl and we’ll get underway
Then up spoke the crew " if these fish are right
We’ll sail in royal harbour and we’ll be alright
Sam Lamer called this 'Up Jumped the Herring', whilst American singers prefer the title 'The Boston Come All Ye'. Early broadside printers, such as John Pitts, called it 'The Fish's Lamentation -A New Song', although later printers, including Armstrong of Liverpool and Morren of Edinburgh, called it 'The King of the Sea'. MY (recorded at Camber Sands, Sussex by Mike Yates, 1975 - originally released on VT107)
Song transcribed by Jon McNamara
Song notes: Mike Yates
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