Interesting Facts about the Sacramento – Version from German barque Gustav
A Rabelaisian, Sacramento – Version from German barque Gustav, that we sang aboard the four-masted barque under the same name. So unfortunate is that Stan Hugill did not give us more stanzas and it is the only English translation of German origin, but refrain parts are really rare and beautiful.
The origin of this shanty has many controversies. Due to tune, form, and “Hoodah” or “Doodah” chorus, it has long been associated with Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races”. C. F. Smith claims this shanty came after the minstrel ditty, it is very curious that a new set of words should have been fitted to the chorus of “Camptown Races”, while it was still a new song.
This song was sung as a capstan anchor shanty, especially when raising the “mud-hook”.
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 107).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 112).
The Record of the Sacramento – Version from German barque Gustav
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
Sacramento – German barque Gustav
Oh, a monk one day from his monastery went,
– To me fal-la, to me fal-la!
His head all shaven and his gown all rent,
– To me fal-lal, lal-lal, la!
– Blow, boys, blow for Californio,
– There is plenty of gold, so I am told,
– On the banks of Sacramento.