Interesting Facts about the Heave Away Me Johnnies B
“Heave Away Me Johnnies B” initially was a genuine brake-windlass shanty. Brake-windlass work was too heavy to move levers up and down, so movement from top to bottom has mid-step on the waist. The usual timing used was 2/4 or 6/8. This particular version was the most popular version according to Stan Hugill, singing in the latter days of sail as the capstan shanty. “The Last Shantyman” also says usually sang at 4/4 time, apparently not in this case because the music notation says 6/8 time, but in my reconstruction will try to accommodate this tempo to reconstruct it as capstan shanty anyways.
The source of this sea shanty
The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 306).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 306, 307).
The Record of the Heave Away Me Johnnies B
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
Heave Away Me Johnnies B
Now Johnny was a rover, an’ today he sailed away,
– Heave away ay ay, me Johnnies, heave away-away!
Sez She I’ll be yer sweethart dear if ye will only stay,
– An away me bully boys, we’re all bound to go!
* 2 *
Sometimes we’re bound for Liverpool, sometimes we’re bound for france,
But now we’re bound to New York town to give the girls a chance,
* 3 *
Our advance note’s in our pocket, boys, it sure will take us fair,
An’ now a cruise down Lime Street, boys, an’ to the American Bar.
* 4 *
In two days’ time we’ll be outward bound an’ down the Mersey we’ll clip,
The gals’ll all be waiting, boys, when get back next trip.
* 5 *
The Peter’s flyin’ at the fore, the Pilot’s waiting the tide,
An’ soon we’ll be bound out again, bound for the other side.
* 6 *
An’ when we’re homeward bound again, our pockets lined once more,
We’ll spend it all with the gals, me boys, an’ go to sea for more.
* 7 *
So gaily let yer voices ring, me bullies heave ‘n’ bust,
‘Tain’t no use a caterwaulin’ — growl yer may, but go yer must.