Shanties from the seven seas Archives - Page 20 of 42

Shallow Brown – Cecil Sharp

March 16, 2023July 24, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Shallow Brown – Cecil Sharp

Shallow Brown – Cecil Sharp version, this version in fact has the solo words from “Blow, Boys, Blow”, and the solo tune from “Hilo, Boys, Hilo”. Stan Hugill gives us only a sample of this song with one chorus and first stanza so the other five verses I get from Cecil Sharp’s “English Folk Chanteys” (1914), a song with lyrics and music notation can be found on page 35. Sharp’s description of this song from page 70 reveals us couple more details than Stan Hugill. So first it says:
“British ships, unlike American, always carried limejuice ; hence the British sailor was nicknamed ” a limejuicer ” by his American comrades.”
Also, the song has been collected by Cecil Sharp from a really famous shantyman: Mr. John Short, at Watchet. Because Cecil Sharp refers to this version, to the Ferris Tozer’s version from “Sailors Songs or Chanteys” (3rd Edition) – (1906), song number 43, page 80, and it is in chapter “Songs For Pumping The Ship Out”, it will be reconstructed as the pump shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “English Folk Chanteys” by Cecil Sharp (1914) (1st ed: p 35).
The lyrics: English Folk Chanteys” by Cecil Sharp (1914) (1st ed: p 35).
Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 257).

The Record of the Shallow Brown – Cecil Sharp

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.

Shallow Brown (Cecil Sharp) - Pump Shanty

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Shallow Brown – Cecil Sharp

– Shalow O, Shalow Brown, Shalow O, Shalow Brown,

A yankee ship came down the river;
– Shalow O, Shalow Brown.
A yankee ship came down the river;
– Shalow O, Shalow Brown.

* 2 *

And who you thing was master of her?
And who you thing was master of her?

* 3 *

A Yankee mate and a lime-juice skipper.
A Yankee mate and a lime-juice skipper.

* 4 *

And what do you think they had for dinner ?
And what do you think they had for dinner ?

* 5 *

A parrot’s tail and a monkey’s liver.
A parrot’s tail and a monkey’s liver.

Related to this sea shanty

Well Ranzo Way

The Lowlands Low (C)

Lowlands or My Dollar An’ A Half A Day

Hello Somebody

May 30, 2023July 22, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Hello Somebody

“Hello Somebody” is a halyard shanty related to the “Hilo Come Down Below” and “Hilo Boys Hilo”. Stan Hugill’s description of this shanty is quite interesting so first he says, that Captain J. P. Parker it writes a verse of this shanty on his “Log of limejuicer” of the American ship “Tusitalia”, on page 40. Stan Hugill’s version comes from Harding Barbadian who told him that was very popular in ships with “coloured” crews. Also, William Main Doerflinger in his book gives a three-verse example of this song, with an introductory verse chorus from the singing of Capitan Baker, who learned this shanty from American “coloured” seamen called ‘Lemon’ Curtis, aboard the ship “Dovenby Hall”.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 256).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 257).

The Record of the Hilo Boys Hilo

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Hello Somebody

Somebody’s knockin’at the garden gate,
– Hello, somebody, Hello!
It’s dirty Dick an’ his dirty mate,
– Hello, somebody, Hello!

* 2 *

Somebody’s knockin’ with a blody stick,
It’s Dirty Dick from New Brunswick,

* 3 *

Somebody’s knockin’ at the Gates o ‘Hell.
It’s Bully John an’ we knows him well.

* 4 *

Somebody’s knockin’ at the Gates o’ Heaven,
There wuz eight little nigger boys an’ now there’s seven.

* 5 *

Saint Peter’s knockin’ on the fo’c’sle door,
Guess I ain’t ready for the Golden Shore.

* 6 *

Somebody’s hangin’ on to this ‘ere line,
The blighter oughter rise an’ shine!

* 7 *

Haul away an’ make yer pay,
Haul away for Saccrappa Bay.

* 8 *

She’s knockin’ up the miles, reelin’ off the knots,
When we get to Boston, we’ll drink lots.

Related to this sea shanty

Hilo Come Down Below

Blow The Man Down – Terry Version

Ane Madam – Bergen Version (Norwegian)

Hilo Come Down Below

November 5, 2023July 21, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Hilo Come Down Below

“Hilo Come Down Below” is another shanty with the word “Hilo”. This is a close related shanty to the “Hilo, Johnny Brown”. This is the halyard shanty, and Stan Hugill tells us is an obvious Negro origin. The only different version from this one in print we can find in Frank T Bullen’s book. This song Stan Hugill learned from his shipmate, great shantyman Harding Barbadian.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 255, 256).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 255, 256).

The Record of the Hilo Boys Hilo

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Hilo Come Down Below

A Black Bird sat in a walnut tree,
– HI-lo, come DOWN below!
A ping-a-pong-in’ on his ol’ banje,
– HI-lo! come DOWN below!

* 2 *

Said the blackbird to the crow,
Come down below wid the whole ‘yer crew,

* 3 *

The crow flew down to Mobile Town,
Met a high yaller gal called Sally Brown.

* 4 *

Said the blacbird to the crow,
Don’t tell them yaller gals all yer know.

* 5 *

The blackbird sang, the crow said ‘caw’,
Gotter set this sail by half pas’ four.

* 6 *

The blackbird flapped his wings an’ crowed,
Why does a chicken cross the road?

* 7 *

If the sun don’ shine, then the hens don’ lay,
If we don’ haul, we git no pay.

* 8 *

One more pull, to ol’ crow cried,
We got to hurry for to catch the tide!

Related to this sea shanty

Blow The Man Down (IV – Doerflinger)

Hilo Boys Hilo

Blow The Man Down (V – Doerflinger)

Hilo Boys Hilo

March 16, 2023July 21, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Hilo Boys Hilo

“Hilo Boys Hilo” is another shanty with the word “Hilo”. Negro origin shanty used at halyards. Like usually happen in Negro and cotton-Hoosier’s song, after the first few regulation verses shantyman would have to extemporize, since such shanties told no familiar story; However, in Stan Hugill’s version, which he has from Old Smith of Tobago, a one-time shipmate, a short tale is told.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 255).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 255).

The Record of the Hilo Boys Hilo

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Hilo Boys Hilo

A black bird sat in a goose-berry tree,
– HI-lo, boys, HI-lo!
A ping-a-pon-gin’ on his ol’ ban-jee,
– Oh, Hilo, somebody Hilo!

* 2 *

The blackbird sang unto the crow,
I’ll soon be takin’ you in tow,

* 3 *

Said the blackbird to the crow,
Come down below with the whole ‘yer crew.

* 4 *

The crow flew down to Mobile Town,
Met a high yellar gal called Sally Brown.

* 5 *

Them yaller gals we do adore,
They’ll drink ye skint an’ ask for more.

* 6 *

The blackbird sang the crow said ‘caw’.
Got ter set this sail by half pas’ four.

* 7 *

High an’ dry we’ll hoist her high,
Hoist her high for a bulgine pie.

Related to this sea shanty

Hilo Johnny Brown

Blow The Man Down (E)

Blow The Man Down (F)

Hilo Johnny Brown

March 16, 2023July 20, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Hilo Johnny Brown

I have great pleasure introduce to you the first song from Part Three of Stan Hugill’s “Shanties from the Seven Seas”, the “Hilo Johnny Brown” also known as “Stand to yer Ground!”. It opens a big group of the shanties with the word “Hilo” which depends on the context was port in the Hawaiian group, and, although occasionally referring by old shellbacks to this locality. Sometimes differently shanties it does refer to Peruvian nitrate port Ilo. “Hilo Johnny Brown” is the Negro origin halyard shanty and the usual verses of “Sally Brown” were used in this song.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 254).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 254).

The Record of the Hilo Johnny Brown

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Hilo Johnny Brown

Saly she’m the gal that I love dear-ly,
– ‘WAY, sing, SALly! Ooh!
Saly she’m the gal that I love dear-ly,
– HIlo, Johnny Brown, STAND to yer ground!

* 2 *

Sally she’m the gal that I spliced nearly,
Her lips is red an’ her hair is curly,

* 3 *

Sally she’m a Badian beauty,
Sall-gal she’m know her dooty.

* 4 *

Sally she’m a bright mulatter,
She drinks rum an’ chaws terbacker.

* 5 *

Seven long years Ah courted Sally,
But Ah doan care ter dilly-dally,

(continue with other ‘Sally Brown’ verses)

* 6 *

Stand to yer ground an’ we’ll walk her up, boys,
Stand to yer ground an’ we’ll make a bit o’ noise.

* 7 *

Never mind the weather, boys, keep yer legs tergether,
Haul away, me bully boys, an’ burst the chafin’ leather.

* 8 *

The mate he goes aroun’, boys, dinging an’ a-dangin’,
Fair land o’ Caanan soon be a-showin’.

Related to this sea shanty

Ranzo Ray C

Blow The Man Down (C)

Blow The Man Down (D)

Well Ranzo Way

March 16, 2023July 17, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Well Ranzo Way

“Well Ranzo Way” is another shanty that mentions legendary sailor hero Ranzo. This shanty was also known as “The Wild Goose Shanty”, “Sing Hilo” or ” Huckleberry Hunting”. It was a kinda universal shanty, so it was sung at windlass or capstan, but Doerflinger it gives as a Halyards and pumps. Stan Hugill doesn’t state what his version is. I will reconstruct this song as a pump shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 249, 250).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 249, 250).

The Record of the Well Ranzo Way

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Well Ranzo Way

Ooh, I’m shantyman of the warkin!. party,
– Timme WAY, timme hay, timme HEE, ho, hay!
So sing lads, pull lads so strong an .. hearty,
– An’ SING, Hilo me RANZO way!

* 2 *

I’m shantyman of the Wild Goose nation,
Got maid that I left on the big plantation,

* 3 *

Oh, the sassiest gal o’ that Wild Goose nation,
Is her that I left on the big plantation.

* 4 *

Oh, the boys an’ the gals went a chuckleberry huntin’,
The gals began to cry an’ the boys the dowsed their buntin’

* 5 *

Then a little gal ran off an’ a little boy ran arter,
The little gal fell down an’ he saw her little garter.

* 6 *

Said he, ‘I’ll be yer beau, if ye’ll have me for yer feller,’
But the little gal said, ‘No, ‘cos me sweetheart’s Jackie Miller.’

* 7 *

But he took her on his knee, an’ he kissed her right an’ proper,
She kissed him back agen, an’ he didn’t try to sto-o-p’ er.

* 8 *

An’ then he put his arm all around her tight an’ waspy waist,
Sez she, ‘Young man, you’re shown’ much too great a haste!’

Related to this sea shanty

Die Gute Alte Brigg (German)

So Early In The Morning (A)

So Early In The Morning (B)

Ranzo Ray C

March 16, 2023July 17, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Ranzo Ray C

Ranzo Ray is one of the shanties with the word Ranzo in chorus. The seamen what Stan Hugill learned this song from said it was a hauling song. Stan Hugill thinks it was also singing at the capstan but was much more popular as a halyard song.
This version Stan Hugill learned from Harding Barbadian, he also informed us about this version was used as the halyard shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 249). 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.

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 249).

The Record of the Ranzo Ray C

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Ranzo Ray C

We’re homeward bound from China, oh, aboard a Limey Liner –,
– RANzo, Ranzo, AWAY, a way!
We’re gettin’ out our long tall blues ter waltz the gals a -round
– Timme HI-lo, me Ranzo RAY!

* 2 *

We’ve ploughed the whole world over an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.
We’ve ploughed the over, like a proper deepsea rover,

* 3 *

We’ll pass the cliffs of Dover, oh, an’ soon we’ll be in clover,
We’ll anchor in the Downs, for we’re bound for London Town.

* 4 *

We’re loaded down with courios from China an’ the Indias,
We’ll soon be seein’ all the gals, the gals we do adore.

* 5 *

We’ll drink an’ have our fun, sez every jolly Jonny,
The gals are waitin’ on the pier – the soon will have our money.

Related to this sea shanty

Ranzo Ray B

Where Am I To Go M’ Johnnies?

Blow The Man Down (B2 – second method)

Ranzo Ray B

March 16, 2023July 17, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Ranzo Ray B

Ranzo Ray B is one of the shanties with the word Ranzo in chorus. The seamen what Stan Hugill learned this song from said it was a hauling song. Stan Hugill thinks it was also singing at the capstan but was much more popular as a halyard song.
This version Stan Hugill learned from Liverpool Irish Seamen, he also informed about this version was used as the halyard shanty.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 248).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 248).

The Record of the Ranzo Ray B

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Ranzo Ray B

The bully boat’s a comin’, Don’t ye hear the paddles rollin’?
– RANzo, Ranzo, a WAY, a way!
The bully boot’s a comin’, down the river she’s a floatin’,
– RANzo, Ranzo RAY!

* 2 *

The bully boat’s a-comin’, down the Mississippi floatin’,
The bully boat’s a-comin’, an’ the gals is all a-waitin’,

* 3 *

I’m bound away ter leave yer, but I never will deceive yer,
I’m bound away ter leave yer, my half-pay I’m gonna leave yer.

* 4 *

We’re bound for Yokohammer, with a load o’ grand pianners
We’re bound for Yokohammer, with a load o’ grand pianners

* 5 *

We bound for Giberralter an’ our carger’s brick an’ morter.
We bound for Giberralter an’ our carger’s brick an’ morter.

* 6 *

We’re bound for Valparaiser with a load o’ rusty razors.
We’re bound for Valparaiser with a load o’ rusty razors.

* 7 *

We’re bound for Bonas Airees with a bunch o’ green canaries.
We’re bound for Bonas Airees with a bunch o’ green canaries.

* 8 *

We’re bound for Santianner and we’re load o’ German lager.
We’re bound for Santianner and we’re load o’ German lager.

* 9 *

When I come again ter meet yer, it’s with kisses I will greet yer.
When I come again ter meet yer, it’s with kisses I will greet yer.

* 10 *

We’ll tie ‘er up in London, an’ we’ll all go on the ran-tan.
We’ll tie ‘er up in London, an’ we’ll all go on the ran-tan.

* 11 *

As I roved out one mornin’ I could see the steamboat rollin’.
As I roved out one mornin’ I could see the steamboat rollin’.

* 12 *

We’ve ploughed the ocean over, an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.
We’ve ploughed the ocean over, an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.

Related to this sea shanty

Ranzo Ray A

Blow The Man Down (A)

Blow The Man Down (B1 – first method)

Ranzo Ray A

March 16, 2023July 17, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Ranzo Ray A

Ranzo Ray A is one of the shanties with the word Ranzo in the chorus. The seamen that Stan Hugill learned this song from said it was a hauling song. This shanty was also sung as the capstan shanty but much more popular as a halyard song. Stan Hugill says there were three ways of singing this shanty, the first two very popular among white seamen, and the third being the Negro way of singing it. All those versions are actually Negro origin. It is one of the many shanties stemming from the cotton Hoosiers of Mobile, who may, in turn, have had it from the rivermen of the Mississippi or Ohio.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 247, 248).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 247, 248).

The Record of the Ranzo Ray A

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Ranzo Ray A

Oh, the bully boat’s a comin’, Don’t ye hear the paddles rollin’?
– RANzo, Raanzo, HURray, hurray!
Oh the bully boot’s a comin’, down the river she’s a bowlin’
– Ranzo, Ranzo RAY!

* 2 *

Ooh, the bully boat’s a-comin’, down the Mississippi floatin’,
Ooh, the bully boat’s a-comin’, an’ the gals is all a-waitin’,

* 3 *

Ooh, I’m bound away ter leave yer, but I never will deceive yer.
I’m bound away ter leave yer, my half-pay I’m gonna leave yer.

* 4 *

Ooh, we’re bound for Yokohammer, with a load o’ grand pianners
Ooh, we’re bound for Yokohammer, with a load o’ grand pianners

* 5 *

Oh, we bound for Giberralter an’ our carger’s brick an’ morter.
Oh, we bound for Giberralter an’ our carger’s brick an’ morter.

* 6 *

Ooh, we’re bound for Valparaiser with a load o’ rusty razors.
Ooh, we’re bound for Valparaiser with a load o’ rusty razors.

* 7 *

Oh, we’re bound for Bonas Airees with a bunch o’ green canaries.
Oh, we’re bound for Bonas Airees with a bunch o’ green canaries.

* 8 *

Oh, we’re bound for Santianner and we’re load o’ German lager.
Oh, we’re bound for Santianner and we’re load o’ German lager.

* 9 *

When I come again, ter meet yer, it’s with kisses I will greet yer.
When I come again, ter meet yer, it’s with kisses I will greet yer.

* 10 *

Oh, we’ll tie ‘er up in London, an’ we’ll all go on the ran-tan.
Oh, we’ll tie ‘er up in London, an’ we’ll all go on the ran-tan.

* 11 *

Oh, as I roved out one mornin’ I could see the steamboat rollin’.
Oh, as I roved out one mornin’ I could see the steamboat rollin’.

* 12 *

Oh, we’ve ploughed the ocean over, an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.
Oh, we’ve ploughed the ocean over, an’ now soon we’ll be off Dover.

Related to this sea shanty

Reuben Ranzo – Sternvall version

Reuben Ranzo – Patterson version

High O Come Roll Me Over!

Cialoma Di Li Tunnari

March 16, 2023July 17, 2022 by Jerzy Brzezinski

Interesting Facts about the Cialoma Di Li Tunnari

This is another beautiful Sicilian fisherman song comes from Alberto Favara “Canti della terra e del mare di Sicilia”(1921), “Cialoma Di Li Tunnari”. The tune of this beautiful song is reminiscent of the “Boys and Girls Come Out to Play” and its chorus “E amola, e amola”, certainly lends itself to a good drag on a rope.

The source of this fishermen song

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 247).

The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 247).

The Record of the Cialoma Di Li Tunnari

The musical notation

The full lyrics

Cialoma Di Li Tunnari

Emuninni cu’ Maria,
– E amola e amòla!

* 2 *

San Giuseppi ‘n cumpagnia.
– E amola e amòla!

* 3 *

E lu tunnu è veru beddu!
– E amola e amòla!

* 4 *

Carricamu’stu vasceddul
– E amola e amòla!

* 5 *

E di Genuva a Portufinu,
– E amola e amòla!

* 6 *

E Livurnu signurinu!
– E amola e amòla!

* 7 *

E assummamu ’sta safina!
– E amola e amòla!

* 8 *

E sparamu ’sta tunnina!
– E amola e amòla!

Assumma! assumma!

Related to this fisherman song

Brindisi Di Marinai

Blow The Wind Southerly – Shore Song

The Wild Miz-Zou-Rye (Alan Lomax) -River Song