Interesting Facts about Mister Stormalong (A2)
A fine old shanty was Mister Stormalong (A2). Analogically, as in “Lowlands Away”; these shanty sailors were used at the pumps; and also later as a capstan. But true it is negro origin and of much older vintage than the “Cutty Sark” period.
In Stan Hugill’s book; are described 6 versions of this family. In this particular version are two patterns:
- Praising the dead seamen,
- Praising the benevolent son of the dead seamen.
The second pattern; was usually added after the dirge-like regulation stanzas run out. It happens for a reason that work at pumps was a constant job, especially on old wooden ships; when every changed course or trim the sails; the hull was liked literally “everywhere”. I do separate these 2 patterns.
This is the second version, I will do a little “presentation” of work at the leaver “Jiggity-Jig” (older type) pump.
This song will be reconstructed as the pump shanty.
The source of this sea shanty
The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 72).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 72, 74).
The Record of the Mister Stormalong (A2)
You also can find this record on my YouTube channel here or directly listen below. Additionally, if you want to share your opinion about the record or share your opinion you can do it in my Facebook forum here, or leave a comment at the bottom of this blog article.
The full lyrics
Mister Stormalong (A2)
I wisht I wuz Ol Stormy’s son,
– To me way you Stormalong!
I’d build a ship o’ a thousant ton
– Aay! Ay.! Ay! Mister Stormalong!
* 2 *
I’d sail this wide world round an’ round,
With plenty o’ money I’d be found..
* 3 *
We’d sail this ol’ world round an’ round,
An’ get hot rum oh, I’ll be bound.
* 4 *
I’d load her up with Jamaicy rum,
An’ all me shellbacks they’d have some.
* 5 *
We’d git our drinks, lads, every man,
With a bleedin’ big bottle for the shantyman.
* 6 *
I’d load ‘er up with grup an’ gin,
An’ stay in the port that we wuz in.
* 7 *
I‘d feed ye well, an’ raise yer pay,
An’ stand ye drinks three times a day.
* 8 *
An’ whin we git to Liverpool Town,
We’ll dance them judies round an’ round.
* 9 *
Oh, Stormalong an’ around we’ll go,
Oh, Stormalong through ice an’ snow.
* 10 *
When Stormy died he made a will,
To give us sailors gin to swill.