Interesting Facts about the Ooker John
“Ooker John” is the shanty mentioned by Stan Hugill in his biggest book, when he describes the shanty with the title “Hooker John”. A couple of issues that this shanty has are that fact is, that was never directly told for what work was used this shanty for, however, was mentioned is similar to other capstan shanties, so by this and by the construction of verse and chorus with good probability we can say it is capstan shanty.
Another issue is that Captain Whall in his book “Sea Songs Ships & Shanties” (4th enlarged edition 1913 page 101), which Stan Hugill refers to, doesn’t even give to us the title of this song, so actually, the title comes from Stan Hugill. Harding Barbadian tells to Stan Hugill, it was still popular in the West Indies (1931). It probably originated as a cotton Stower’s song.
The source of this sea shanty
The lyrics: “Sea Songs Ships & Shanties” by W. B. Whall (4th enlarged edition 1913 page 101).
The lyrics: “Sea Songs Ships & Shanties” by W. B. Whall (4th enlarged edition 1913 page 101).
Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 290).
The Record of the Ooker John
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
Ooker John
O my Mary she’s a blooming lass,
– To my Ooker John, my Oo-John,
O my Mary she’s a blooming lass,
– To my Ooker John, my Oo-John,
– Way, fair lady, O way-ay-ay-ay-ay,
– My Mary’s on the highland,
– O yonder’s Mary–yonder….