Interesting Facts about the Walk him along, Johnny
Stan Hugill took this variation from Richard Runciman Terry’s “The Shanty Book Part II”, and also mentioned that Walk him along Johnny, Terry, and Sharp gained from the same shantyman, (John) Short of Watchet, and both it states is a halyard shanty, but the construction of song (like a grand chorus), it makes possible this shanty would be pump or capstan, Stan Hugill gives this song as the halyard shanty. Text and melody come from Richard Runciman Terry’s “The Shanty Book Part II”, and Cecil J. Sharp’s “English Folk-Chanteys” (unfortunately they both give only two verses).
This song will be reconstructed as the halyard shanty.
The source of this sea shanty
The music: “The Shanty Book part II” (1926) – Richard Runciman Terry (1st ed p 30, 31).
The lyrics: “The Shanty Book part II” (1926) – Richard Runciman Terry (1st ed p 30, 31).
Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 77).
The Record of the Walk him along, Johnny
Even though this Song is very short (only two stanzas), I have the impression that in the shape in which Terry and Sharp give it, i.e. the one in which I will try to sing it, this song has not been sung for at least 60 years, i.e. since Stan Hugill wrote about this version in his work.
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 musical notation of the Walk him along Johnny
The full lyrics
Walk him along, Johnny
Gen’ral Taylor gained the day.
– Walk him along, Johnny carry him along.
General Taylor gained the day.
– Carry him to the burying ground.
– Then away-ay you Stormy,
– Walk him along, Johnny carry him along.
– Way-ay you Stormy,
– Carry him to the burying ground.
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Dan O’ Connell died long ago.
Dan O’ Connell died long ago.