Interesting Facts about The Hawks-Eye Man
“The Hawks-Eye Man” mentioned by Stan Hugill in “Shanties from the Seven Seas”, comes from “Journal of The Folk Song Society” – No 9 (1906 page 248, 249). In the Journal, the author mentions the sung as the capstan shanty in Southport, January 1906, sung by Mr. W. Bolton. In the description, we can find that this curious tune has, like “Shangadore” (probably a version of Shanandore), a decided Negro flavor. We also can find that a very similar version of this song was taken down on board ship in 1862-4; and was printed in “Yachting Monthly” magazine in the article “The Sea Shanty” (issue October 1906).
Also, the “Hog-eye Man” (given under the heading “Hauling into Blackwall Dock, 1862”), the writer of the article says: “This shanty was not allowed so long as any passengers were aboard; directly they were landed this was the only shanty that would suit sailor John. The words cannot be given, but the tune is characteristic. It is of Negro origin, from the slave states”.
The source of The Hawks-Eye Man
The music: “Journal of The Folk Song Society” – No 9 (1906 page 248).
The lyrics: “Journal of The Folk Song Society” – No 9 (1906 page 248, 249).
Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 271).
The Record of this sea shanty
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
The Hawks-Eye Man (Bolton)
Oh! the ‘awk’s-eye man is the man for me,
And when he comes ashore he has a jolly spree,
– And the ‘awk’s-eye –
– Roll the boat ashore, And the ‘awk’s-eye
– Roll the boat ashore, And the ‘awk’s-eye, Ho!
– She wants the ‘awk’s-eye man.
* 2 *
Sally in the garden sifting sand.
And Jenny in House with the hawk’s-eye man.