Interesting Facts about the Ranzo Ray A
While several shanties feature the word ‘Ranzo’ in the chorus, Ranzo Ray A stands out as a primary example. Specifically, the seamen who taught Stan Hugill this song identified it as a hauling song. Furthermore, although crews occasionally sang it at the capstan, it gained much more popularity as a halyard song.
In addition, Hugill identifies three distinct singing styles. For instance, these include two versions popular among white seamen and a third traditional African-American version. Finally, all three versions likely share a common origin. Crucially, all three versions share an African-American origin. This shanty likely stems from the cotton hooseys of Mobile, who perhaps adopted it from the rivermen of the Mississippi or Ohio.
I will reconstruct the song as a halyard shanty.
The source of this sea shanty
The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 247, 248).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 247, 248).
The Record of the Ranzo Ray A
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
The full lyrics
Ranzo Ray A
Oh, the bully boat’s a comin’, Don’t ye hear the paddles rollin’?
– RANzo, Raanzo, HURray, hurray!
Oh the bully boot’s a comin’, down the river she’s a bowlin’
– Ranzo, Ranzo RAY!
* 2 *
Ooh, the bully boat’s a-comin’, down the Mississippi floatin’,
Ooh, the bully boat’s a-comin’, an’ the gals is all a-waitin’,
* 3 *
Ooh, I’m bound away ter leave yer, but I never will deceive yer.
I’m bound away ter leave yer, my half-pay I’m gonna leave yer.
* 4 *
Ooh, we’re bound for Yokohammer, with a load o’ grand pianners
Ooh, we’re bound for Yokohammer, with a load o’ grand pianners
* 5 *
Oh, we bound for Giberralter an’ our carger’s brick an’ morter.
Oh, we bound for Giberralter an’ our carger’s brick an’ morter.
* 6 *
Ooh, we’re bound for Valparaiser with a load o’ rusty razors.
Ooh, we’re bound for Valparaiser with a load o’ rusty razors.
* 7 *
Oh, we’re bound for Bonas Airees with a bunch o’ green canaries.
Oh, we’re bound for Bonas Airees with a bunch o’ green canaries.
* 8 *
Oh, we’re bound for Santianner and we’re load o’ German lager.
Oh, we’re bound for Santianner and we’re load o’ German lager.
* 9 *
When I come again, ter meet yer, it’s with kisses I will greet yer.
When I come again, ter meet yer, it’s with kisses I will greet yer.
* 10 *
Oh, we’ll tie ‘er up in London, an’ we’ll all go on the ran-tan.
Oh, we’ll tie ‘er up in London, an’ we’ll all go on the ran-tan.
* 11 *
Oh, as I roved out one mornin’ I could see the steamboat rollin’.
Oh, as I roved out one mornin’ I could see the steamboat rollin’.
* 12 *
Oh, we’ve ploughed the ocean over, an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.
Oh, we’ve ploughed the ocean over, an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.
Related to this sea shanty
Reuben Ranzo – Sternvall version