Hooker John (Harding)

Interesting Facts about the Hooker John (Harding)

“Hoker John” is the capstan shanty, which comes from Harding Barbadian, probably the most recognizable source of the shanties that Stan Hugill when sailed with on merchant ships service. Harding Barbadian tells to Stan Hugill, that this song was still popular in the West Indies (1931). It probably originated as a cotton Stower’s song.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 291).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 291).

The Record of the Hooker John (Harding)

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.

Hooker John (Harding) - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

Hooker John (Harding) - music notation

The full lyrics

Hooker John (Harding)

Oh! me Mary she’s a sailor’s lass,
– To me Hooker John, me Hoojohn!
Oh, we courted all day on the grass,
– to me Hooker John, me Hoojohn!

– ‘Way Susanna–oh, way, hay, high, high ya!
– Johnny’s on the foreyard,
– Yonder, way up yonder.

* 2 *

Oh, my Susie she’s a nigger’s gal,
She’s nine foot high–that gal’s so taall.

* 3 *

Oh, my Flora she’s a hoosier’s frien’,
She’s beamy round the ol’ beam-end.

* 4 *

Oh, Sally Brown she’s the gal for me,
She courts a bit when her man’s at sea.

Related to this sea shanty

Ooker John

Supen Ut En Dram På Man

O Whos Been Here – Cecil Sharp

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