A Long Time Ago (B)

Interesting Facts about the A Long Time Ago (B)

According to Stan Hugill the patterns sang to this shanty He knows including Interesting Facts about A Long Time Ago (B), are:
(1) “The ‘Frisco Ship” (from an A.B. of the New Zeland tops’l schooner Huia);
(2) The “If” version (Captain Kihlberg, ex-scots barque “Fasces”);
(3) The “Noah’s Ark” version (Bosun Chenoweth, ex-“Mount Stewart”);
(4) A “Roll the Cotton Down” version (this version was very popular);
(5) A “Blow the Man Down” version (from the singing of Paddy Delaney);
(6) An “A-rovin'” version (mainly bawdy);
(7) A “Time for us to go” version;
(8) A “China Clipper” version (from the singing of Jock Anderson).

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the halyard shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 97). I try to recreate this song from hearted Stan Hugill’s version from the album “Shanties From The Seven Seas” (1962).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 98, 99).

The Record of the A Long Time Ago (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.

A Long Time Ago (B) - Halyard Shanty

The full lyrics

A Long Time Ago (B)

A ship lay becalmed off Portland Bill,
– Timme WAY, hay, HO,high ho!
If she hasn’t a fair wind she’s layin’ there still.
– Oh a LONG time aGO!

* 2 *

There once wuz a family which lived on a hill,
If they’re not dead they’re livin’ there still.

* 3 *

There once wuz a sailor shipped a ballon,
An’ if he’s still floatin’ he’s now reached the moon.

* 4 *

There once wuz a farmer in Norfolk did dwell,
If he went off an’ died, oh, he’s sure bound to hell.

* 5 *

There wuz an ol’ woman that lived in a shoe,
If she’d had ten bras more, oh, she’d have forty-two.

* 6 *

There wuz an ol’ lady who lived in Dundee,
If she hadn’t been sick she’d have gone off to sea.

* 7 *

There wuz an ol’ yokel in Sussex did dwell,
He had an ol’ wife an’ he wished her hell.

Related to this sea shanty

As-Tu-Connu Le Per’ Lanc’lot

Stormalong Lads Stormy

De Runer Von Hamborg

A Long Time Ago (A)

Interesting Facts about the A Long Time Ago (A)

A Long Time Ago (A) was very popular on English and American Ships. It was probably, in the nineties of XIX century of the most-used halyard shanty of them all. Even the German and Scandinavians popularized versions in their own tongues. This song was sung as halyard shanty.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the halyard shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 97). I try to recreate this song from hearted Stan Hugill’s version from the album “Shanties From The Seven Seas” (1962).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 97, 98).

The Record of the A Long Time Ago (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.

A Long Time Ago (A) - Halyard Shanty

The musical notation

a-long-time-ago-a music notation

The full lyrics

A Long Time Ago (A)

O-ho, there ships they lay in Frisco Bay,
– Timme WAY, hay, HO,high ho!
There ships they lay in Frisco Bay,
– Oh a LONG time aGO!

* 2 *

These smart Yankee packets lay out in the Bay,
All a-waiting a fair wind to get under way,

* 3 *

With all their poor sailors so weak an’ so sad,
They’d drunk all their limejuice, no more could be had.

* 4 *

With all their poor sailors so sick an’ so sore,
They’d scoffed all their whack an’ they couldn’t get more.

* 5 *

Oh, I sailed out of ‘Frisco in a full rigged ship,
I sailed out o’ ‘Frisco in a full-rigged ship
.

* 6 *

Her masts wuz of silver an’ her yards wuz of gold,
Her masts wuz of silver an’ her yards wuz of gold.

* 7 *

We wuz bound for New York with a cargo o’ gold,
Bound south ’round the Hotn through the ice an’ the cold.

* 8 *

In eighteen hundred and ninety-four,
We shipped in a drogher bound for Singapore.

* 9 *

An’ I fell in love with young Malay maid,
She swiped all me money, before I wuz paid

* 10 *

My ol’ mum she wrote to me,
She wrote to me to come home from sea.

* 11 *

Says she ‘Me son, ye’ll rue the day,
When the girls have blown, lad, all yer pay.

* 12 *

She sent me some money, she sent me some clothes,
But I spent all the money an’ pawned the clothes.

* 13 *

An’ ever since then I have thought of her word,
‘Twas the finest advice that a man ever heard.

* 14 *

An’ as soon as I gits me feet on shore,
I,ll ship as a bosun of a little rum store.

* 15 *

An’ if ever I gits me feet on land,
I’ll ship as some young lady’s fancyman.

* 16 *

Oh, a long time, an’ a very long time,
Tis a very long time since I first made this rhyme.

Related to this sea shanty

As-Tu-Connu Le Per’ Lanc’lot

Stormalong Lads Stormy

De Runer Von Hamborg

Oh, Aye, Rio

Interesting Facts about the Oh, Aye, Rio

 Oh, Aye, Rio was first printed in a book by Stan Hugill, and he stated that he learned it from an old sailor at Port Adelaide, South Australia. It’s a dragging song, totally dirty, so Stan Hugill had to camouflage it a bit, keeping the original theme as much as possible. According to Stan Hugill, this song is a forebitter.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 96). I try to recreate this song from hearted Stan Hugill’s version from the album “Shanties From The Seven Seas” (1962), with The York & Albany Crew. Intriguingly, in this song, Stan Hugill only sings himself, without the crew in the chorus.

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 96).

The Record of the Oh, Aye, Rio

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.

Oh, Aye, Rio - Forebitter

The musical notation

oh-aye-rio music notation

The full lyrics

Oh Aye Rio

Ooh, lady have; you a daughter fine?
– Oh aye Ri-ho!
O
oh lady have; you a daughter fine,
Fit for a sailor that’s crossed the Line.
– To me way, hay, ho, high, a long, long time ago!
– To me way, hay, ho, high, a long, long time ago!

* 2 *

Oh, yes I have a daughter fine,
Oh, yes I have a daughter fine,
Fit for a sailor that’s crossed the Line.

* 3 *

But madam, dear madam, she is too young,
But madam, dear madam, she is too young,
She’s never been courted by anyone.

Related to this Forebitter

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Susannavisan

Opsang For Brasiliefareren, Briggen Preciosa (Norwegian)

Interesting Facts about the Opsang For Brasiliefareren, Briggen Preciosa (Norwegian)

A Norwegian version of “Opsang” is a good example of the type of verse Henrik Wergeland, the Norwegian composer, wrote Opsang For Brasiliefareren, Briggen Preciosa (Norwegian), to supplant the usual ribald ones. In “Opsang” can be found the other fifty-four verses, He wrote – quite enough to finish a long heave! “Rio Grande” was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass, and was an outward-bound song.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 90).

The lyrics: The first six stanzas from “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 93, 94). The whole text all 54 verses have been taken from “Samlede Skirifter. I. Dikt, 3. Bind 1842-1845” p 55,56,57,58,59).

The Record of the Opsang For Brasiliefareren, Briggen Preciosa (Norwegian)

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.

Opsang For Brasiliefareren, Briggen Preciosa (Norwegian) - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Opsang For Brasiliefareren, Briggen Preciosa

Nu tage vi et langt Farvel
– O Rio!
med dig, du gamle, norske Fjeld.
– To my rolling Rio Grande!

– Way Rio!
– O Rio!
– Then sing fare-ye-well, to me pretty young gel,
– To my rolling Rio Grande!

* 2 *

Farvel, du gamle Graa! Farvel!
Vi tænke, at du staaer nok lel.

* 3 *

Vi tænke, at du staaer endda,
mens vi er i Amerika.

* 4 *

I Golfen under Mexico
vi skifte ei vor norske Tro.

* 5 *

I Rio og i Pernambuc
paa Norge tænke vi med Suk.

* 6 *

Ja vestenfore selv Cap Horn
i Hjertet sidder Hjemvees Torn.

* 7 *

Det bløder, bløder op igjen
i Paradiis-Brasilien.

* 8 *

Did er det Preciosa skal,
langt udenfor den blaa Kanal.

* 9 *

Da er det først hun fører Seil,
naar England seer vort Agterspeil.

* 10 *

Farvel, Europa! Cap Lizard
er Næsen paa din gamle Nar.

* 11 *

Men herlig som en Aftensky
i Vest gaaer op en Verden ny.

* 12 *

Did stunder Preciosas Lyst
med Seil saa fuldt som Svanens Bryst.

* 13 *

Da er det først ved Finisterr`
hun lufter sine hvide Fjer.

* 14 *

Da er det som en Svane roer
fra Cap Vincent til Mogador.

* 15 *

Og bagud gaaer den hvide Foss.
Følg os, du vilde Albatross!

* 16 *

Følg os, du vaade Flyvefisk!
Vi paa Madera faa en Pidsk.

* 17 *

Det blæser varmt fra Afrika.
Men Pico gi’e vi et Hurra.

* 18 *

Thi Sneen skinner fra dets Top.
Den frisker norske Hjerter op.

* 19 *

Tørhænde kommer en Korsar.
Da Gutter, op! Kanonen klar!

* 20 *

Op flyver da vort norske Flag.
Nu kan det bli’e saa varm en Dag.

* 21 *

Vi tænke paa Jorsalafar.
Hans Klinge Blaamandshovder skar.

* 22 *

Vi tænke, at vi hævde maa
Normannanavnet paa det Blaa.

* 23 *

Den sorte Skonnert braser væk.
Han saae det blinked paa vort Dæk.

* 24 *

Han saae et Glimt af en Musket
og Spidsen af en Bajonet.

* 25 *

Han tænkte da: der er vel fleer?
At dreje af det bedste er.

* 26 *

Han gik i Læ, den slu Pirat.
Da kom en fygende Dravat.

* 27 *

Men lad staa til! Passat vi faaer.
Mod Vest, mod Vest, mod Vest det gaaer.

* 28 *

Vi bære af, og Hajen med.
Af Os skal han ei blive feed.

* 29 *

Jo bi! Der har du din Portion!
Du pryde skal vor Gallion.

* 30 *

Vi hale ham med Lænker ind,
og spænde ud den Morders Skind.

* 31 *

Vi bære af mod Vest, mod Vest!
Vi Linjen skar. Det var en Fest.

* 32 *

Da drak vi Norges Skaal med Skjemt.
Kaptainens blev ei heller glemt.

* 33 *

Og Rhederen paa sit Kontor,
han fik en Bommert, som var stor.

* 34 *

Vor vakkre Preciosa med
vi gjorde i en Skaal Besked.

* 35 *

Hun, før vi vidste Ord deraf,
har gjennemkløvt det store Hav.

* 36 *

Der blaaner alt i Havets Rand
Brasiliens Slaraffenland.

* 37 *

Og Rio aabner alt sin Bugt.
Der, Preciosa, hvil din Flugt!

* 38 *

Som ungen Brud sin Rosenkrands,
sit Flag hun bær’ — vort Fædrelands.

* 39 *

Forundret knapt Kreolen troer,
at det er Nordens Trikolor.

* 40 *

Men Negren kommer med sin Sæk.
Saa stuve vi fra Bund til Dæk.

* 41 *

Og naar vi synes, vi har nok,
saa op med Bramseil! ud med Fok!

* 42 *

Saa maa vi hjem til gamle Moer.
Hun veed vi efter Kaffe foer.

* 43 *

Hun sidder bag det gamle Fjeld,
og ønsker os paa Reisen Held.

* 44 *

Hun ønsker vi maa komme snart.
Tilbage derfor i en Fart!

* 45 *

Følg os, Atlanterhavets Hai!
Tilbage over Porto Pray!

* 46 *

Ja fra den takkede Azor
tilbage til det elskte Nord!

* 47 *

Kanalen aabner sig, Hurra!
Nu er vi ikke langt derfra.

* 48 *

Da raabe vi til Vinden: blæs!
Vi længes efter Lindesnæs.

* 49 *

Vi længes svarlig hjem igjen.
Det gjør vi i Brasilien.

* 50 *

Og Apelsinen gyldenmalt
vi spise tidt til Taarers Salt.

* 51 *

Men naar vi Norge faa at see,
da er forbi al Sorg og Vee.

* 52 *

Hvis Visen synes dig for lang,
saa syng en Stub deraf hvergang!

* 53 *

Matrosen hugger af sin Bus.
Med Visen gjør det samme Puds!

* 54 *

Og blev den lang, saa glem dog ei,
Preciosa har saa lang en Vei.

Hurra! Hurra! for Singsallijo!

Related to this sea shanty

Rio. Grande (A)

A Long Time Ago (C)

Et Nous Irons a Valparaiso

Rio Grande – Norwegian sailor version

Interesting Facts about the Rio Grande – Norwegian sailor version

A few verses of the Rio Grande – a Norwegian sailor version, were given to Stan Hugill by a Norwegian sailor; the Rio Grande was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass; and was an outward-bound song.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 94).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 94).

The Record

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.

Rio Grande (Norvegian sailor version) - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Rio Grande (Norvegian sailor version)

Oh, were ye ever at Rio Grand?
– Rolling Rio!
Oh, were you ever on that strand?
– To me Rolling Rio Grande,

– Way Rio!
– Rolling Rio!
– Then Sing fare-ye-well, to me pretty young gel,
– To me Rolling Rio Grande,

* 2 *

Where the Portugee girls can be found,
– Rolling Rio!
And they’re the girls to waltz around.
– To me Rolling Rio Grande,

– Way Rio!
– Rolling Rio!
– Then Sing fare-ye-well, to me pretty young gel,
– To me Rolling Rio Grande,

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Rio Grande (A. Conan Doyle version)

Interesting Facts about Rio Grande (A. Conan Doyle version)

This is one of the most popular shanty families in the days of sail It was not the Mexican Rio Grande about which they were singing but the one further south in Brazil; not “Rio Grande del Nord” but “Rio Grande do Sul”. Stan Hugill in their description of the Rio Grande (A. Conan Doyle version), said that his friend Mr. T. E. Elwell informed him that when he was a shantyman he often sang the words of certain songs A. Conan Doyle had written in his series “Tales of the High Seas”.

This was all about a certain pirate “Captain Shankey” of the ship “Happy Delivery”. The Rio Grande, sailors sang at the anchor capstan or windlass, and was an outward-bound song. According to Stan Hugill. This fine shanty at capstan or windlass; and was an outward-bound song.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 90).

The lyrics: “Tales of the High Seas” by Arthur Conan Doyle. The last three verses from 15 – 17 are Liverpool Stanzas (mentioned by Stan Hugill).

Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 93).

The Record

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.

Rio Grande (A. Conan Doyle version) - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Rio Grande (A. Conan Doyle version)

A trader sailed from Stepney Town,
– Way down Rio!
With a bag of gold and a silken gown,
– And we’re bound for the Rio Gran-de,

– Then away, love away!
– Way down Rio!
– Sing fare-ye-well, my pretty young girl,
– And; we’re bound for the Rio Gran-de,

* 2 *

Where is the trader of Stepney Town?
– Way

His gold’s on the capstan, his blood”s on his gown.
And

– Then away, love away!
– Way down Rio!
– Sing fare-ye-well, my pretty young girl,
– And

* 3 *

Then it’s up an’ it’s over to Stornaway Bay,
– Way

Where the whisky is good and the lassies are gay.
And

– Then away, love away!
– Way down Rio!
– Sing fare-ye-well, my pretty young girl,
And

Related to this sea shanty

Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version)

Rio Grande (B)

A Long Time Ago (C)

Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version) – Brake Windlass Shanty

Interesting Facts about Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version)

The Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version), is Cecil Sharp’s version of “English Folk Chanteys” (1914). Sharp’s shantyman sings of what one can see when one arrives in port. “Rio Grande” was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass, and was an outward-bound song. In “Shanties from the Seven Seas” Stan Hugill Mentioned only this version.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the brake windlass shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “English Folk-Chanteys” (1914) – Cecil James Sharp (1st ed p 24).

The lyrics: “English Folk-Chanteys” (1914) – Cecil James Sharp (1st ed p 14).

Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 93).

The Record

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.

Rio Grand (Cecil Sharp Version) - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

bound-for-the-rio-grande-cecil-sharp-version - musical notation

The full lyrics

Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version)

I think I heard the old man say:
– O you Rio,
I think I heard the old man say:
– We’re bound for Rio Grand.

– And away, for Rio,
– O you Rio,
– So fare you well, my bonny young girl,
– We’re bound for Rio Grand.

* 2 *

O Rio Grand is my native land.
O Rio Grand is my native land.

* 3 *

It’s there that I wound take my stand.
It’s there that I wound take my stand.

* 4 *

She’s buxom young maid with a rolling black eye.
She’s buxom young maid with a rolling black eye.

* 5 *

She came from her dwelling a long way from here.
She came from her dwelling a long way from here.

* 6 *

I wish I was in Rio to-day.
I wish I was in Rio to-day.

* 7 *

Buckle sailors you’ll se there,
With long sea-boots and close cropped hair.

Related to Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version)

A Long Time Ago (C)

California

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Bound for the Rio Grande (R. R. Terry’s Version)

Interesting Facts about Bound for the Rio Grande (R. R. Terry’s Version)

This version of Bound for the Rio Grande is Richard Runciman Terry’s version from “The Shanty Book Part I” (1921). “Rio Grande” was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass, and was an outward-bound song. In “Shanties from the Seven Seas”, Stan Hugill Mentioned only this version.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “The Shanty Book part I” (1921) – Richard Runciman Terry (1st ed p 4, 5).

The lyrics: “The Shanty Book part I” (1921) – Richard Runciman Terry (1st ed p 4, 5).

Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 93).

The Record of the Bound for the Rio Grande (R. R. Terry’s Version)

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.

Bound for the Rio Grande (R. R. Terry's Version) - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Bound for the Rio Grande (R. R. Terry’s Version)

I,ll sing you a song of the fish of the sea.
– Oh Rio
I,ll sing you a song of the fish of the sea
– And we’re bound; for the Rio Grande,

– Then away, love away!
– Way down Rio!
– So fare-ye-well, my pretty young gel,
– For we’re bound
; for the Rio Grande.

* 2 *

Sing goodbye to sally, and goodbye to Sue.
And you who are listerning, goodbye to you.

* 3 *

Our ship went sailing out over the Bar
And we pointed her nose for the southeren Star.

* 4 *

Farewell and adieu to you laidies of Spain
And were all of us comming to see you again.

* 5 *

I said farewell to Kitty my dear,
And she waved her white hand as we passed the South Pier.

* 6 *

The oak and the ash, and the bonny birk tree
They’re all growing green in the North Countrie.

Related to this shanty

Rio. Grande (A)

A Long Time Ago (C)

California

Rio Grande (F)

Interesting Facts about the Rio Grande (F)

Rio Grande including Rio Grande (F), was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass and was an outward-bound song.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 90).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 93, 94).

The Record

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.

Rio Grande F - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Rio Grande (F)

Oh, Capitain, Capitan, heave yer ship to,
– Away down Rio!
For we,ve got some mail; to be carried home by you.
– We’re bound; for the Rio Grande,

Then away, love away!
– Away down Rio!
– Sing fare-ye-well, my bonnie young girl,
– We’re bound; for the Rio Grande,

* 2 *

Oh, Cap’tan, you’re sailin’ to England away,
An’ we will not see it for many a day.

* 3 *

Oh, Cap’tan, you’ve weathered full many a gale,
So have yer ship to for to pick up our mail.

* 4 *

Oh, Cap’tan, ye’ll pick up our letters for home,
To carry a letter from us who do roam.

* 5 *

Oh, Captain, Cap’tan, our ensign we’ll dip,
Pray tell’em at home that you,ve spoken our ship.

Related to Rio Grande (F)

A Long Time Ago (C)

California

Et Nous Irons a Valparaiso

Rio Grande (E)

Interesting Facts about the Rio Grande (E)

This version, Rio Grande (E), is aside from the first stanza same text as the ‘Fishes’ version of “Blow The Man Down”. “Rio Grande” was always sung at the anchor capstan or windlass, and was an outward-bound song.

The song will be reconstructed by myself as the capstan shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 90).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 93).

The Record of the Rio Grande (E)

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.

Rio Grande E - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Rio Grande (E)

Oh, a ship she wuz rigged, an’ ready for sea,
– Away down Rio!
An’ all of her sailors wuz fishes to be.
– We’re bound for the Rio Grande,

– Then away, love away!
– Away down Rio!
– Sing fare-ye-well, my bonnie young girl,
– We’re bound for the Rio Grande,

* 2 *

There wuz once an old skipper, I don’t know his name,
But I know that he once played a ruddy smart game.

* 3 *

When his ship lay becalmed in a tropical sea,
He whisteled all day but he could get no breeze.

* 4 *

But a seal heard his whistle an’ loudy did call,
Just smow yer light canvas, jib spanker, an’ all.

* 5 *

I’ll send ye some fish to consult if ye please,
The best way to get ye a nice whistling breeze.’

* 6 *

Oh, first came the herring, sain’, ‘I’m King o’ the Seas’,
He jumped on the poop: ‘Oh, the Capen I’ll be!’

* 7 *

Next came the flatfish, they call him a skate:
‘If ye’ll be the capen, why then I’m the mate.’

* 8 *

Then next came the hake, he wuz black as a rook,
Sez he, ‘I’m no sailor, I’ll ship as the cook.’

* 9 *

Next came the shark with his two rows of teeth,
‘Cook, mind you the cabbage, an’ I’ll mind the beef!’

* 10 *

Then came the eel with his slippery tail,
He climbed up aloft an’ he cast off each sail.

* 11 *

Next came to codfish with his chuckle-head,
He jumped in the chains an’ began heavin’ the lead.

* 12 *

Next came the flounder that lies on the ground,
Sayin’, ‘Damn yer eyes, chucklehead, mind how ye sound!

* 13 *

Then came the conger, as long as a mile,
He gave a broad grin an’ continued to smile.

* 14 *

Then came the porpoise with his pointed snout,
He went to the wheel shoutin’, ‘Ready about!’

* 15 *

Then came the mackrel with his his pretty striped back,
He hauled aft each street, an’ he boarded each tack.

* 16 *

Then came the whale, the biggest in the sea,
Shoutin’, ‘Haul in yer head sheets, now, hellums a lee!’

* 17 *

Then came the sprat, he wuz smalled o’ all,
He jumped on the poop cryin’, ‘Maintawps’l haul!’

* 18 *

The mackerel the skipper did scoff for his tea,
The herring he salted, the seal harpooned he.

* 19 *

He baited a hook, an’ he thougt it a lark,
To catch as he did that hoary ol’ shark.

* 20 *

The eel it wuz tasty, the hake it wuz strong,
The flounder he speared with a lance o’ three prongs.

* 21 *

The skate he speared next, but the purpose wuz fast,
The conger it grinned an’ it grinned to the last.

* 22 *

He caught the ol’ whale, which wuz no simple task,
An’ soon with whale-oil he had filled up each cask.

* 23 *

With the head o’ the codfish he made a fine pipe,
The sprat then he salted, but ’twas only a bite.

* 24 *

The breeze it blew merrily sailed he,
But what an’ ol’ bastard than skipper must be!

Related to the Rio Grande (E)

A Long Time Ago (C)

California

Et Nous Irons a Valparaiso