Interesting Facts about the Rio Grande (D)
This Shanty (including the Rio Grande (D) version), of all the work songs of the sea, is the one with the least variation in tune. Some versions give three notes to the final “Rio”, others give two.
The main patterns of this shanty are:
1 – Leaving Liverpool
2 – Gold Rush Version
3 – The Milkmaid
4 – Leaving New York,
5 – The Fishes,
6 – The Mail (“Gam”).
We have also at least 6 different versions of the chorus.
The Rio Grande includes Rio Grande (D), was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass, and was an outward-bound song.
The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.
The source of this sea shanty
The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 90).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 92).
The Record
This song will be sung as a capstan shanty.
“Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 92).
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
Rio Grande D
A ship went a-sailing out over the bar,
– Way for Rio!
They’ve pointed her bow to the southern star,
– An’ we’re; bound for the Rio Grande,
– Then away, bullies away!
– Way for Rio!
– Sing fare-ye-well, me Liverpool gels,
– An’ we’re; bound for the Rio Grande
* 2 *
Oh, farewell to Sally an’ farewell to Sue,
An’ you on the pierhead it’s farewell to you.
* 3 *
Yeu Bovery laides we’s have ye to know,
We’re bound; to the south’ard–O Lord, let us go!
* 4 *
We,ve a bully good ship an’ a bully good crew,
But we don’t like the grub; no I’m damned if we do.
* 5 *
Oh fare ye well, all ye ladies o’ town,
We,ve left ye enough for to buy a silk gown.
* 6 *
We’ll sell our salt cod for molasses an’ rum,
An’ get back again ‘fore Thanksgivin’ has come.
* 7 *
Oh, New York town is no place for me,
I’ll pack up me sea-chest an’ git off to the sea.
* 8 *
Oh, man the good caps’n an’ run her around,
We’ll heave up the anchor to this bully sound.
* 9 *
To the Brazils; we’re bound an’ we hope ye don’t mind,
We soon will return to the Molls left behind.
* 10 *
The chain’s up an’ down now the Bosun did say,
It’s up to the hawse-pipe, the anchor’s aweigh!