Sacramento (D)

Interesting Facts about the Sacramento (D)

Sacramento (D) was sung as a capstan anchor shanty, especially when raising the “mud-hook”. This is the “Camptown Races” version.

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 107).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 110, 111).

The Record of the Sacramento (D)

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.

Sacramento (D) - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Sacramento (D)

Camptown ladies sing this song,
– Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah!
Camptown race-track’s five miles long.
– Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah day!

– Blow, boys, blow!
– For Californ-eye-O!
– There’s plenty o’ gold so I’ve bin told,
– On the banks o’ the Sacramento

* 2 *

Go down dar wid me hat caved in,
Come back home with me pockets full o’ tin.

* 3 *

De long-tailed filly an’ de big black hoss,
Dey fly de track an’ dey both cut ac ross.

* 4 *

De blind hoss stickin’ in a big mud hole,
Can’t touch bottom wid a ten-foot pole.

* 5 *

Ol’ muley cow come out on de track,
De bob he fling her ober his back.

* 6 *

Den fly along like a raiload car,
Runnin’ a race wid a shootin’ star.

* 7 *

De sorrel hoss he’s got a cough,
An’ his rider’s drunk in de ol’ hay-loft.

* 8 *

Dere’s fourteen hosses in dis race,
Ah’m snug in de saddle an’ got a good brace.

* 9 *

De bobtail hoss she cain’t be beat,
Runnin’ around in a two-mile heat.

* 10 *

Ah put me money on de bob-tail nag,
Somebody bet on de one-eyed lag.

* 11 *

I win me money on de bobtail nag,
An’ carry it home in de ol’ tow-bag.

Related to this sea shanty

California

Rio Grande (C)

A Long Time Ago (C)

Sacramento (C)

Interesting Facts about the Sacramento (C)

This version of Sacramento (C), of the Cape Horn one, is the most popular one. Stan Hugill thing this version was the original one, and it can be sung to either tune or to a mixture of both tunes, depending on the number of syllables in the verses. This song was sung as a capstan anchor shanty, especially when raising the “mud-hook”.

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 109).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 109).

The Record of the Sacramento (C)

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.

Sacramento (C) - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

sacramento-c music notation

The full lyrics

Sacramento (C)

Oh around Cape Horn we are bound for to go
– To me Hoo-dah! To me Hoo-dah!
Around Cape Horn through the sleet an’ the snow,
– To me Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah day!

– Blow, boys, blow!
– For Californ-eye-O!
– There’s plenty o’ gold so I’ve bin told,
– On the banks of the Sacramento!

* 2 *

Oh around the Horn with a mainskys’l set,
Around Cape Horn an’ we’re all wringin’ wet.

* 3 *

Oh, around the Horn in the month o’ May,
Oh, around the Horn is a very long way.

* 4 *

Them Dago gals we do adore,
They all drink vino an’ ask for more.

* 5 *

Them Spanish gals ain’t got no combs,
They comb their locks with tunny-fish bones.

* 6 *

To the Sacramento we’re bound away,
To the Sacramento’s hell o’ a way.

* 7 *

We’re the buckos for to make ‘er go,
All the way to the Sacramento.

* 8 *

We’re the bullies for to kick her through,
Roll down the hill with a hullabaloo,

* 9 *

Starvation an’ ease in a Yankee ship,
We’re the bullies for to make ‘er rip.

* 10 *

Santander Jim is a mate from hell,
With fists o’ iron an’ feet as well.

* 11 *

Breast yer bars an’ bend yer back,
Have an’ make yer spare ribs crack.

* 12 *

Round the Horn an’ up to the Line,
We’re the bullies for to make ‘er shine

* 13 *

We’ll crack it on, on a big skiyoot,
Ol’ Bully Jim is a bloody big brute.

* 14 *

Oh, a bully ship wid a bully crew,
But the mate is a bastard through an’ through.

* 15 *

Ninety days to ‘Frisco Bay,
Ninety days is damn good pay.

* 16 *

Oh, them wuz the days of the good ol’ times,
Back in the days of the Forty-nine.

* 17 *

Sing an’ have an’ heave an’ sing,
Heave an’ make them handspikes spring.

* 18 *

An’ I wish to Gold I’d niver bin born,
To go a-ramblin’ round Cape Horn.

Related to this sea shanty

California

Rio Grande (B)

A Long Time Ago (C)

Sacramento (B)

Interesting Facts about the Sacramento (B)

Sacramento (B) came into being aboard the great ships of those times “Sea Witch”, “Flying Cloud”, “Romance of the Seas” and so on, at the time of the California Gold Rush (1849). At the same time was published almost the same song as Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races”, which was first, hard to say. Did Foster copy his song from Shanty? Colcord states that this shanty is the “slaver minstrel’ song “Camptown Races”. Terry, although he doesn’t say so outright, seems to think that the shanty came first. This song was sung as a capstan anchor shanty, especially when raising the “mud-hook”.

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 107).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 108).

The Record of the Sacramento (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.

Sacramento (B) - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Sacramento (B)

Oh, as I was walkin’ down the street
– Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah!
A charmin’ gal I chanet to meet.
– Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah day!

– Blow, boys, blow!
– For Californ-eye-O!
– There’s plenty o’ gold so I’ve bin told,
– On the banks o’ the Sacramento

* 2 *

The gal was fair an sweet to view,
Her hair so brown an’ her eyes so blue

* 3 *

I raised me hat an’ said ‘How do?’,
Sez she, ‘Quite well, no thanks to you’

* 4 *

I asked her if she take a trip
A-down the docks to see my ship

* 5 *

She quickly answered, ‘Oh, dear, no.
I tank you but I cannot go.

* 6 *

‘My love is young, my love is true,
I wouldn’t leave my love for you’.

* 7 *

So quickly then I strode away,
I’d not another word to say

* 8 *

An’ as I bade this gal adieu,
I said that gals like her were few.

Related to this sea shanty

California

Sacramento (A)

A Long Time Ago (C)

Sacramento (A)

Interesting Facts about the Sacramento (A)

Sacramento (A) was sung as a capstan anchor shanty, especially when raising the “mud-hook”. The origin of this shanty has many controversies. Due to tune, form, and “Hoodah” or “Doodah” chorus, it has long been associated with Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races”. C. F. Smith claims this shanty came after the minstrel ditty, it is very curious that a new set of words should have been fitted to the chorus of “Camptown Races”, while it was still a new 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 107).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 108).

The Record of the Sacramento (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.

Sacramento (A) - Capstan Shanty

The full lyrics

Sacramento (A)

As I wuz rollin’ down the strand,
– Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah!
I met two fairles hand in hand,
– Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah day!

– Blow, boys, blow!
– For Californ-eye-O!
– There’s plenty o’ gold so I’ve bin told,
– On the banks o’ the Sacramento

* 2 *

I chose the one with the curly locks,
She let me chase her o’er the rocks,

* 3 *

I chased her high, I chased her low,
I fell down an’ broke me toe.

* 4 *

Off to the doctor I did go,
An’ I showed him my big toe.

* 5 *

In came the doctor with a bloomin’ big lance,
‘Now, young sailor, I’ll make you dance!’

* 6 *

In came the nurse with a mustard poultice,
Banged it on, but I took no notice.

* 7 *

Now I’m well and free from pain,
I’ll never court flash gals again.

Related to this sea shanty

California

Rio Grande (B)

A Long Time Ago (C)

California

Interesting Facts about California

Shortly after the young congressman, Abraham Lincoln came home from Washington and settled down again to the practice of law in Springfield, Illinois, there were announcements in newspapers occasionally, such as, “All who are interested in the California expedition will meet at candle-light to-night in the courthouse.” California then was a place to talk about, guess, and wonder about. The news came from Sutter’s Creek:

ten men shook pay dirt through hand screens and found a million dollars apiece in gold nuggets; the San Francisco city council adjourned without setting a date when it would meet again, churches closed their doors, newspapers stopped printing, and ships lay in the harbor with no sailors, cooks, and soldiers ran away from military forts. A free-for-all rush started to the gold-digging: a spade sold for $1,000.00. It was news that made New York and London sit up. Across the Great Plains came wagon trains; in ten miles along the Plate River, a traveler counted 450 wagons. At the trial’s end were gold and California…

This shanty is the first song opening the “Sacramento” family. This shanty was always sung at the capstan especially when raising the ‘mud-hook’.

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 106).

The lyrics: “The American Songbag” by Carl Sandburg (1927).

The Record of California

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.

California - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

california music notation

The full lyrics

Stan Hugill in “Shanties From the Seven Seas” gives us only one verse, it comes from a book called “The American Songbag” by Carl Sandburg (1927). Fortunately, I found this book so I will be very proud to sing it for you, in the full five stanzas version.

California

When formed our band, we are all well manned,
To journey a far to the promised land,
The golden ore is rich in store,
on the banks of the Sacramento shore,

– Then ho, boys, ho, To California go,
– There’s plenty of gold in the world I’m told,
– On the banks of the Sacramento shore.

* 2 *

As oft we roam o’er the dark sea’s foam,
We’ll not forget kind friends at home,
But memory kind still brings to mind
The love of friends we left behind.

* 3 *

We’ll expected our share of the coarset fare,
And sometimes sleep in the open air.
On the cold damp ground we’ll all sleep sound
Except when the wolves go howling round.

* 4 *

As we explore to the distant shore,
Filling our pockets with the shining ore,
How it will sound as the shout goes round,
Filling our pockets with a dozen of pounds.

* 5 *

The gold is there almost anywhere;
We dig it out rich with an iron bar,
But where it is thick, with spade or pick
We take out chunks as big as a brick.

Related to this sea shanty

Bound for the Rio Grande (Cecil Sharp Version)

Rio Grande (B)

A Long Time Ago (C)

De Hoffnung – English Translation

Interesting Facts about the De Hoffnung – English Translation

Stan Hugill tells, us that this shanty (De Hoffnung – English Translation – is translated version which was real shanty), was popular aboard a German four-masted barque, He was shipped in called “Gustav”, hailing from Bremen. The first time Stan Hugill heard this version from Ossie Ziemer, young seamen from the Fresian Islands, would often raise it at t’gallant halyards. To raise up this yard, it was always sung, long haul type halyard shanty(slower tempo), due to the huge weight of the yard.

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

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 105).

The Record of the De Hoffnung – English Translation

Here is the English translation by Ingo Scharf. It is also possible that the song has never been sung at sea, and Hugill just posts a translation of a German song, whatever, in My opinion, this beautiful translation deserves to use it. And even feel proud of the possibility I will be the first person to sing this text.
“Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 105).

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.

De Hoffnung - (German) - Halyard Shanty

The full lyrics

De Hoffnung – English Translation

De Hoffnung was a hundreed days under way,
– to my way, hay, hoday.
She sailed from Hamburg to Valapariso.
– a long time ago.

* 2 *

She sailed good and she sailed hard,
She had such a fine and costly cargo.

* 3 *

And as the Old Man swore and cursed,
The Devil came climbing over the rail.

* 4 *

If you bring me to the Channel in ten days time,
Surely as you stink you will get my soul.

* 5 *

The old hulk at last went nineteen knots,
THe Devil had the skysails set.

* 6 *

And when she came to the channel to anchor,
Then said the Devil, ‘Give me your soul.’

* 7 *

Then said the Old Man, ‘Take your time,
We have to anchor by Cape St. Patric”.

* 8 *

The Devil now was more than overjoyed,
He ran up the fo’c’sle-head to let go the anchor.

* 9 *

The old carpenter was greatly pleased,
He had spliced the Devil’s backside to the anchor.

* 10 *

And as the anchor went down to the ground,
The Devil went with it–the dirty big hound!

Related to this sea shanty

A Long Time Ago (A)

Stormalong Lads Stormy

De Runer Von Hamborg

De Hoffnung (German)

Interesting Facts about the De Hoffnung 

Stan Hugill tells, us that De Hoffnung was popular aboard a German four-masted barque, He was shipped in called “Gustav”, hailing from Bremen. The first time Stan Hugill heard this version from Ossie Ziemer, young seamen from the Fresian Islands, would often raise it at t’gallant halyards. To raise up this yard, it was always sung, long haul type halyard shanty(slower tempo), due to the huge weight of the yard.

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

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 104).

The Record of the De Hoffnung

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.

De Hoffnung - (German) - Halyard Shanty

The full lyrics

De Hoffnung

De Hoffnung wor hunnert Dag ünner wegs,
– to my way, hay, hoday.
Se seil von Hamborg no Valparaiso.
– a long time ago.

* 2 *

Se seilte good und se seilte hart,
Se harr so’ne gode kostbare Fracht.

* 3 *

Un as de Ool nu flucht un gnattert,
Dor keem de Düvel över de Reeling klattert.

* 4 *

Wenn mi in tein Dag nenn Kanal du bringst,
Denn krigst mien Seel, so woor as du stinkst.

* 5 *

De Pott leep negentein Mielen toletzt,
Dor harr de Düvel de Skyseils bisett.

* 6 *

Un as se nu kemen in’n Kanal to Stell,
Dar seegt de Düvel “Nu her mit de Seel!”.

* 7 *

Dar seeg de Ool „Nu lot di man tiet”,
“We goot to Anker bi Cape St. Patric”.

* 8 *

De Düvel de weer vör Freid ganz weg,
He leep op de Back, sett de Anker op slip.

* 9 *

De ole Timm’mann har grote Freid,
He harr den Düvel sien’n Steert mitvertäut.

* 10 *

Un as de Anker nu suust an den Grund,
Suust de Düvel mit, disse Swienehund.

Related to this sea shanty

A Long Time Ago (A)

Stormalong Lads Stormy

De Runer Von Hamborg

A Long Time Ago – Gordon Hitchcock version

Interesting Facts about the A Long Time Ago – Gordon Hitchcock version …

This song including A Long Time Ago – Gordon Hitchcock version, was very popular in English and American Ships. It was probably, in the nineties of the XIX century of the most-used halyard shanty of them all. Even the Germans and Scandinavians popularized versions in their tongues. This song was sung as a halyard shanty. Only one stanza; is given in Stan Hugill’s book.

This version comes from the mentioned “Shell Book of Shanties” (which is the wrong title, because the true title is “The Shell Book of Sea Shanties”) by Gordon Hitchcock (1952). Fortunately, I found the book, I bought one and a lonely available exemplar in the whole online world, and from Germany arrived mail with this book, so I can sing this shanty to you in the full four stanzas version.

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

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “The Shell Book of Sea Shanties” by Gordon Hitchcock (1952) (1st ed: p 20, 21).

The lyrics: “The Shell Book of Sea Shanties” by Gordon Hitchcock (1952) (1st ed: p 20, 21).

Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 104).

The Record of the A Long Time Ago – Gordon Hitchcock 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.

A Long Time Ago (Gordon Hitchcock version) - Halyard Shanty

The musical notation

a-long-time-ago-gordon-hitchcock-version music notation

The full lyrics

A Long Time Ago (Gordon Hitchcock version)

A long, long time and a long time a-go,
– To me WAY, hay, o-HI-o!
A long, long time and a long time a-go,
– A LONG time a-GO!

* 2 *

A smart Yankee packet lay out in the bay:
Awaiting a fair wind to get under way,

* 3 *

With all her poor sailors all sick and all sore:
They’d drunk all their lime juice, and couldn’t get more,

* 4 *

If she’s not; had a fair wind; she’s lying there still:
If she’s not; had a fair wind
; she’s lying there still.

Related to this sea shanty

A Long Time Ago (A)

Stormalong Lads Stormy

De Runer Von Hamborg

A Long Time Ago – Cecil Sharp Version

Interesting Facts about the A Long Time Ago – Cecil Sharp Version

This version A Long Time Ago – Cecil Sharp Version, is a Cecil Sharp version from the book “English Folk-Chanteys” – 1914. Unfortunately, it has only three verses. The last five bars make it possible to capstan shanty. This song was very popular on English and American Ships. It was probably, in the nineties of the XIX century of the most-used halyard shanty of them all. Even the Germans and Scandinavians popularized versions in their tongues. This song was sung as a halyard shanty.

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

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “English Folk Chanteys” by Cecil Sharp (1914) (1st ed: p 49).

The lyrics: English Folk Chanteys” by Cecil Sharp (1914) (1st ed: p 49).

Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 103).

The Record of the A Long Time Ago – Cecil Sharp 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.

A Long Time Ago (Cecil Sharp Version) - Halyard Shanty

The musical notation

a-long-time-ago-cecil-sharp-version music notation

The full lyrics

A Long Time Ago (Cecil Sharp Version)

Away down south where I was born,
– To my WAY – ay – DAY, ha!
Away down south where I was born,
– A LONG time a-GO

– twas a long, long time and a very long time,
– A LONG time a-GO

* 2 *

O! early on a summer’s morn.
O! early on a summer’s morn.

* 3 *

I Made up my mind to go the sea.
I Made up my mind to go the sea.

Related to this sea shanty

A Long Time Ago (A)

Stormalong Lads Stormy

De Runer Von Hamborg

A Long Time Ago – Harding Barbadian melody version

Interesting Facts about the A Long Time Ago – Harding Barbadian melody version

A Long Time Ago – Harding’s Barbadian melody version was very popular on English and American Ships. It was probably, in the nineties of the XIX century of the most-used halyard shanty of them all. Even the Germans and Scandinavians popularized versions in their tongues. This song was sung as a halyard shanty. This version has a melody preferred by the teacher of Stan Hugill, the shantyman Harding the Barbadian Barbarian from Barbados. The “y’ know” at the end of his second chorus was the most effective.

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 102).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 102).

The Record of the A Long Time Ago – Harding Barbadian melody 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.

A Long Time Ago (Harding Barbadian melody version) - Halyard Shanty

The musical notation

a-long-time-ago-harding-barbadian-melody-version music notation

The full lyrics

The first Stanza of this shanty comes from the notation of Harding’s tune description, on page 103, other stanzas come from version H from page 102 (1st ed.).

A Long Time Ago (Harding Barbadian melody version)

Johnny Jernan’ wuz Portugee man,
– To me WAY, hay, HO, ya, ya!
Ol’ Johnny Jernan’ wuz Portugee man,
– A LONG time a-GO, y’ know!

* 2 *

There wuz an old lady in Greenock did dwell,
She had three fine sons an’ their story I’ll tell.

* 3 *

One was a sailor an’ one was a Mate
The third got his Master’s a little bit late

* 4 *

He shipped as the Master of a big clipper ship,
An’ out to fair China he made a smart trip.

* 5 *

The ship he commanded was no ruddy Ark,
But a dandy fine clipper as fast a shark.

* 6 *

When he reached far Foochow oh there met his fate,
He found him a Chink gal to serve him as mate.

* 7 *

He spliced this young Chink gal with a pitgail so long,
But later he wished had not met Miss Fong.

* 8 *

Oh, she wore the trousers an’ he wore the skirt,
He was down on his luck an’ his pride it was hurt.

* 9 *

The passage to England was a hell o’ a show,
One hundred an’ eighteen long days for to go.

* 10 *

Oh he roused uphis Chink wife an’ coursed loud an’ long,
Oh, you are the bastard that’s caused all this wrong.

* 11 *

‘You’re a bloody big Jonah, yer a hoodoo to me,
I’ve had nought but bad luck since ye came to sea.’

* 12 *

But when he reached London, the owners did say,
‘You’ve made a smart passage you’ve earn your pay-day.’

* 13 *

So he kissed his young Chink wife, gave rum to the crowd,
The hands gave a cheer, boys, so strong an’ so loud.

* 14 *

An’ this is the end of my salty story,
Just think o’ the luck o’ the heathen Chinee.

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De Runer Von Hamborg