The Princess Royal

Interesting Facts about The Princess Royal

“The Princess Royal” is the last variation of the “High Barbaree” song presented by Stan Hugill in his “Shanties from the Seven Seas”. Stan Hugill takes this version from Bill Fuller of Cornwall, who had it from an old man-o’-war’s man.
The song will be reconstructed by myself as the forebitter.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 421).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 421).

The Record of The Princess Royal

You can also 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 Princess Royal - Forebitter

The musical notation

The Princess Royal - music notation

The full lyrics

The Princess Royal

On the fourteenth of Febru’ry we sailed from the land,
In the bold “Princess Royal” bound for New Foun’-land,
We had forty five seamen for a ship’s company,
The wind from the east’-end, To the west’-end steered we.

* 2 *

We’d hardly been sailin’ but a day two or three,
When the man from our masthead strange sail he did see.
She came bearin’ down on us with her topsails so high,
And under her mizen-peak black colours did fly.

* 3 *

An’ when this bold pirate had have alongside,
With a loud speakin’ voice, ‘We are comin’!’ he cried,
‘We come from fair London bound to Callao,
So hinder us not in our passage to go.’

* 4 *

‘Back yer maintops’l an’ heave yer ship to,
For I have a letter to be carried home by you.’
‘I’ll back my maintops’l an’ heave my ship to,
But only in some harbour an’ alongside o’ you.’

* 5 *

He chased us to wind’ard an’ through the long day,
An’ he chased us to loo’ard but he could not gain way,
An’ he fired long-shot after us, but he could not prevail,
An’ the bold Princess Royal soon showed a clean tail.

* 6 *

Go down to yer grog, m’ lads, go down every man,
Go down to yer grog, m’ lads, go down one an’ all,
Go down to yer grog, m’ lads, an’ be o’ good cheer,
For as long as we’ve sea-room we’ve nothin’ to fear!

Related to this Forebitter

Oh Susanna

Susannavisan (Stan Hugill Translation)

Roll Alabama Roll! – Forebitter

High Barbaree (West Country Tune)

Interesting Facts about the High Barbaree (West Country Tune)

“High Barbaree (West Country Tune)” – “geographical”: The song’s name is taken from the savage Coast of North Africa, the lair of the Corsairs. Stan Hugill mentioned apart of him two collectors, who gave us versions of this song: Sampson (shanty version) and Whall (forebitter version). The song was sometimes called “Salcombe Seamen” and was sung solely at the capstan. Here is the west country tune.
The song will be reconstructed by myself as the forebitter.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 420).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 420).

The Record of the High Barbaree (West Country Tune)

You can also 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.

High Barbaree (West Country Tune) - Forebitter

The musical notation

High Barbaree (West Country Tune) - music notation

The full lyrics

High Barbaree (West Country Tune)

There were two lofty ships from ol’ England they set sail
– Blow high! Blow low! An’ so sailed we – ,
One was the “Prince of luther” an’ the other “Prince of Wales”,
– Sailin’ down along the coasts o’ High Barbaree!

* 2 *

‘Aloft there, aloft!’ our bully bosun cried.
‘Look ahead, look astern, look to weather an’ a-lee!”

* 3 *

‘There’s naught upon the starn, sir, there’s naught upon the lee,’
But there’s a lofty ship to wind’ ard an’ she’s sailin’ fast an’ free.’

* 4 *

‘O hail her! O hail her!’ our gallant cap’n cried,
‘Are you a man-o’-war or a privateer?’ cried he.

* 5 *

‘Oh, no I’m not a man-o’-war, nor privateer,’ cried he,
‘But I’m a salt sea pirate, all a-lookin’ for me fee!’

* 6 *

For broadside, for broadside a long time we lay,
Till at last ‘Prince o’ Luther’ shot the pirate’s mast away.

* 7 *

‘O quarter! O quarter!’ those pirates they did cry,
But the quarter that we gave ’em, was to sink ’em in the sea.

Related to this Forebitter

Oh Susanna

Susannavisan (Stan Hugill Translation)

Roll Alabama Roll! – Forebitter

High Barbaree – Fuller

Interesting Facts about the High Barbaree – Fuller

“High Barbaree – Forebitter” – “geographical” name of the song takes its name from the savage Coast of North Africa, the lair of the Corsairs. Stan Hugill mentioned apart of him two collectors, who gave us versions of this song: Sampson (shanty version) and Whall (forebitter version). The song was sometimes called “Salcombe Seamen” and was sung solely at the capstan. Here is the capstan 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 419).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 419, 420).

The Record of the High Barbaree – Fuller

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.

High Barbaree - Fuller - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

High Barbaree - Fuller - music notation

The full lyrics

High Barbaree – Fuller

There were two lofty ships from old England they set sail
– Blow high! Blow low! An’ so sailed we – ,
One was the Prince o’ luther an’ the other Prince o’ Wales,
– All a-cruisin’ down the Coasts of the High Barbaree!

* 2 *

‘Aloft there, aloft!’ our bully bosun cried.
‘Look ahead, look astern, look to weather an’ a-lee!”

* 3 *

‘There’s naught upon the starn, sir, there’s naught upon the lee,’
But there’s a lofty ship to wind’ ard an’ she’s sailin’ fast an’ free.’

* 4 *

‘O hail her! O hail her!’ our gallant cap’n cried,
‘Are you a man-o’-war or a privateer?’ cried he.

* 5 *

‘Oh, no I’m not a man-o’-war, nor privateer,’ cried he,
‘But I’m a salt sea pirate, all a-lookin’ for me fee!’

* 6 *

For broadside, for broadside a long time we lay,
Till at last ‘Prince o’ Luther’ shot the pirate’s mast away.

* 7 *

‘O quarter! O quarter!’ those pirates they did cry,
But the quarter that we gave ’em, was to sink ’em in the sea.

Related to this sea shanty

Cant You Dance The Polka (C F Smith version)

The New York Gals

Doodle Let Me Go

Baltimore

Interesting Facts about the Baltimore

“Baltimore” capstan shanty is very popular on German sailing ships. Stan Hugill gave us some extra pieces of information, that song was sung at the capstan when making sail by leading the halyard to the capstan instead of hauling on the fall. Initially “Baltimore” was the shore song. Hugill tells us that the song was never heard in British ships. This helped him strengthen the theory that German and Scandinavian seamen adapted British and American shore songs and turned them into shanties long after the art of “inventing” shanties had died aboard British and American ships.
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 418).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 418).

The Record of the Baltimore

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.

Baltimore - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

Baltimore - music notation

The full lyrics

Baltimore

An’ I kissed her on the cheek, an’ the crew began to roar,
– Oh, ho! an’ up she goes! We’re bound for Baltimore!
An’ I kissed her on the cheek, an’ the crew began to roar,
– Oh, ho! an’ up she goes! We’re bound for Baltimore!

– No more … no more … no more!
– Oh, we’ll go to sea no more!
– As soon as we reach port tonight,
– We’re headin’ for the shore!

* 2 *

An’ he kissed her on the cheek, an’ the crew began to roar,
– Oh, ho! an’ …
An’ he kissed her on the face, an’ the crew began to roar
– Oh, ho! …

* 3 *

An’ he kissed her on the neck, …

* 4 *

An’ he kissed her on the lips, …

* 5 *

An’ he kissed her on the arms, …

* 6 *

An’ he kissed her on the legs, …

Related to this sea shanty

Cant You Dance The Polka (C F Smith version)

The New York Gals

Doodle Let Me Go

Sing A Song Blow-Along O!

Interesting Facts about the Sing A Song Blow-Along O!

“Sing A Song Blow-Along O!” – used at halyards, sometimes called “Dixie Land”. Stan Hugill took this song from Tobago Smith who declared it was one of the best in his repertoire. Aside from the Hugill, Patterson gives us quite a similar version but unfortunately without the music. The song was probably one of the songs the Hoosiers of Mobile used for heaving the jack-screws when loading the cotton.
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 417).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 417).

The Record of the Sing A Song Blow-Along O!

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.

Sing A Song Blow-Along O! - Halyard Shanty

The musical notation

Sing A Song Blow-Along O! - music notation

And the full lyrics

Sing A Song Blow-Along O!

‘Way down in Dixie!
‘Way down in Dixie where de cotton grows,
– SING a song, blow along O – o – o!

* 2 *

‘Way down in Dixie!
‘Way down in Dixie, oh, I had gal,
– SING a song, blow …

* 3 *

‘Way down in Dixie!
Her name it was Fore-tops’l Nell,

* 4 *

‘Way down in Dixie!
She was so dark she broke me heart,

* 5 *

She had black eyes an’ a lovely nose,

* 6 *

Oh, around the world I had to sail.

* 7 *

But I’m as tough as a six-inch nail

* 8 *

When I got back, she’d done me down.

* 9 *

She’d ran off wid a circus clown.

* 10 *

If I could cotch that thievin’ tyke.

* 11 *

I’d give him one wid a marline-spike.

* 12 *

But I left her there an’ sailed away.

Related to this sea shanty

Round The Corner Sally (Terry)

Sister Susan

Miss Lucy Loo

Essequibo River

Interesting Facts about the Essequibo River

“Essequibo River” – is a halyard shanty, picked by Stan Hugill from his friend Harding Barbadian. West Indian or Guyana origin, the song is challenging for the shantyman because it is full of yells and hitches. Hugill claims it was the first time in print in his “Shanties from the Seven Seas”. Stan also tells us that this song is the same as many West Indian shanties that were picked from ashore and were used for jobs where pulling was involved.
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 416).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 416, 417).

The Record of the Essequibo River

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.

Essequibo River - Halyard Shanty

The musical notation

Essequibo River - music notation

And the full lyrics

Essequibo River

Essequibo River is the Queen o’ Rivers all!
– BUDdy tanna na we are SOMEbody O!
Essequibo River is the Queen o’ Rivers all!
– BUDdy tanna na we are SOMEbody O!
Somebody O, Johnny, somebody O!
– BUDdy tanna na we are SOMEbody O!

* 2 *

Essequibo Capen is the King o’ Capens aaall!
– Buddy …
Essequibo Capen is the King o’ Capens aaall!
– Buddy …
Somebody …
– Buddy …

* 3 *

Essequibo Bosun is the King o’ Bosuns aaall!

* 4 *

Essequibo sailors is the Chief o’ Sailors aaall!

* 5 *

Essequibo Sallies is the Queen o’ Saillies aaall!

* 6 *

Essequibo maidens is the Queen o’ Maidens aaall!

Related to this sea shanty

Round The Corner Sally (Terry)

Sister Susan

Miss Lucy Loo

Passant Par Paris

Interesting Facts about the Passant Par Paris

“Passant Par Paris” – is the French capstan shanty, which has a place name for its title. According to Stan Hugill, this song comes from Armand Hayet’s book “Chansons De Bord” (Paris) – 1934. Hugill also tells us, that:
“It has typical French method of forming choruses, by all hands singing a repeat of the solo, and the second solo is used as the first solo of the following verse”
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 413).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 413).

The Record of the Passant Par Paris

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.

Passant Par Paris - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

Passant Par Paris - music notation

The full lyrics

Passant Par Paris

Passant par Paris, vidant ma boutelle,
– Passant par Paris, vidant ma boutelle,
Un de mes amis me dit a l’oreille,
– Bon! Bon! Bon!
Le bon vin m’endort, l’amour me raveille,
– Le bon vin m’endart, l’amour me reveill’encor!

* 2 *

Un de mes amis me dit a l’oreille,
– Un de mes amis me dit a l’oreille,
Jean, prends garde a toi, l’on courtis’ta belle,
– Bon! Bon! Bon!
Le bon vin m’endort, l’amour me raveille,
– Le bon vin m’endart, l’amour me reveill’encor!

* 3 *

Jeans, prends garde a toi, l’on courtis’ta belle,
– Jeans, prends …
Courtise qui voudra, je me fous bien d’elle!
– Bon! …
Le bon …
– Le bon …

* 4 *

Courtise qui voudra, je me fous bien d’elle,
– Courtise qui …
J’ai eu de son coeur, la fleur la plus belle,
– Bon! …
Le bon …
– Le bon …

* 5 *

J’ai eu de son coeur, la fleur la plus belle,
– J’ai eu de …
Dans un grand lit blanc, gree de dentelles,
– Bon! …
Le bon …
– Le bon …

* 6 *

Dans un grand lit blanc, gree de dentelles,
– Dans un …
J’ai eu trois garcons, tous trois capitaines,
– Bon! …

* 7 *

J’ai eu trois garcons, tous trois capitaines,
– J’ai eu …
L’un est a Bordeaux, l’autre a La Rochelle,
– Bon! …

* 8 *

L’un est a Bordeaux, l’autre a La Rochelle,
– L’un est …
Le plus jeune a Paris, courtisant les belles,
– Bon! …

* 9 *

Le plus jeune a Paris, courtisant les belles,
– Le plus …
Et le pere est ici, qui hal’ sur la fircelle,
– Bon! …

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The Banks O Newfnland – Doerflinger

Interesting Facts about The Banks O Newfnland – Doerflinger

“The Banks O Newfnland – Doerflinger” – described by Doerflinger in his “Shantymen And Shantyboys” as the Deep-Water Song. According to Stan Hugill, this version is from the singing of Richard Maitland of Sailors’ Snug Harbor, and Doerflinger has given his slightly different way of singing verses 2 and 3 and their choruses. Hugill gives us only the first verse, I will reconstruct this song in full six verses as given to us in Doerflinger’s book.
The song will be reconstructed by myself as the Forebitter.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shantymen And Shantyboys” by William Main Doerflinger (1951).
The lyrics: “Shantymen And Shantyboys” by William Main Doerflinger (1951).
Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 413).

The Record of The Banks O Newfnland – Doerflinger

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 Banks O Newfnland (Doerflinger) - Forebitter

The musical notation

The Banks O Newfnland - Doerflinger - music notation 1
The Banks O Newfnland - Doerflinger - music notation 2
The Banks O Newfnland - Doerflinger - music notation 3

The full lyrics

The Banks O Newfnland – Doerflinger

You rambling boys of Liverpool, I’d have you to beware,
When you ship on a Yankee packet ship, no dungarees do wear,
But have a monkey pea jacket all ready at your command,
To protect you from the cold nor’-westers on the banks of Newfoundland.

– We’ll rub her down and scrub her down, with holystones and sand,
– And we’ll bid adieu to the Virgin Rocks and the banks of Newfoundland!

* 2 *

We had one Jimmy Lynch from Ballyna-hinch, Mike Murphy and Jim Moore.
‘Twas in the winter of ‘seventy-two those boys they suffered sore.
They pawned their clothes in Liverpool, then they sold them our of hand,
Never thinking of cold nor”-westers on the banks of Newfoundland.

* 3 *

We had a lady passenger, Bridget Murphy was her name.
From her I’d promised marriage; on me she had a claim.
She tore up her flannel peticoats and made stockin’s for my hands,
For she said she couldn’t see her true love freeze on the banks of Newfoundland.

* 4 *

I had a dream the other night, I dreamt that I was home.
I dreamt that me and my true love where in old Marylebone.
That we were on old England’s shore with a jug of ale in hand,
But when I woke, my heart was broke on the banks of Newfoundland.

* 5 *

It’s now we’re passing the Virgin Rocks and stormy winds do blow,
With a crowd of sailors on the deck a-shoveling off the snow.
We’ll wash her down, we’ll scrub her deck with holystone and sand,
And we’ll bid adieu to the Virgin Rocks on the Banks of Newfounland!

* 5 *

It’s now we’re passing Sandy Hook, and the cold winds they still blow.
With a tug-boat right ahead of us, into New York we’ll go.
We’ll fill our glasses brimming full, with a jug of rum in hand,
For while we’re here, we can’t be there on the Banks of Newfounland!

Related to this Forebitter

Paddy West

Jack All Alone

Paddy Lay Back – Forebitter

The Banks O Newfnland – Forebitter

Interesting Facts about The Banks O Newfnland – Forebitter

“The Banks O Newfnland” as described by Stan Hugill, is usually capstan shanty, but this version was sung as forebitter. The song was given to Stan Hugill by Mr. D. McDonald of Glasgow.
The song will be reconstructed by myself as the forebitter.

The source of this sea shanty

The music: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 412).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 412, 413).

The Record of The Banks O Newfnland – Forebitter

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 Banks O Newfnland - Forebitter

The musical notation

The Banks O Newfnland - Forebitter - music notation

The full lyrics

The Banks O Newfnland – Forebitter

Oh, come, all you roving sailors, and sporting blades, beware,
When you jump on board a packet ship, no dungaree jumpers wear,
But always have good monkey-jackets at your command
Think of the cold nor’westers on the Banks of Newf’n’land.

* 2 *

Now there was one Lynch from Ballynahinch, Jim Kane and Mick O’Moore,
It was in the year of sixty, the mariners suffered sore,
With all their clothes in Liverpool, they’d spent money with either hand,
Not thinking of the cold nor’westers on the Banks of Newf’n’land.

* 3 *

Oh, there was a girl on board that ship, Kate Conner was her name,
I promised I would marry her, for on me she had a claim.
She tore up her flannel petticoat, to make mittens for my hands,
For I won’t see my true love freezing on the Banks of Newf’n’land.

* 4 *

Oh, now we’re off the Hook, me boys, the land all covered with snow,
The towboat is achead and to New York soon we’ll go.
We’ll scrub her deck, we’ll scrub her down with holystones and sand,
So we’ll bid adieu to the Virgin Rocks on the Banks of Newf’n’land.

* 5 *

Oh, I had a dream, a happy dream, I dreamt that I was home,
Alongside of my own true love and she in Marybone,
A jug of ale all on my knee, a glass of ale in my hand,
But when I woke my heart was broke, on the Banks of Newf’n’land.

Related to this Forebitter

Paddy West

Jack All Alone

Paddy Lay Back – Forebitter

The Banks O Newfnland

Interesting Facts about The Banks O Newfnland

“The Banks O Newfnland” as described by Stan Hugill, capstan shanty comes from his friend “Scottie” of Port Adelaide. He tells to Hugill that he heard this song when young sung at the capstan with all the twiddles and quavers seamen of the old school would adorn this type of song with.
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 412).
The lyrics: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 412).

The Record of The Banks O Newfnland

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 Banks O Newfnland - Capstan Shanty

The musical notation

The Banks O Newfnland - music notation

The full lyrics

The Banks O Newfnland

Ye ramblin’ boys o’ Liverpool, Ye sailorman beware,
when jiz go in a Yankee pocket ship, no dungaree jumpers wear,
Buut have a monkey jacket all up to your command,
For there blown some cold nor’-westers on the Banks of Newf’nland,

– We’ll wash her an’ we’ll scrub ‘er down, wid holystone an’ sand,
– An’ we’ll bid adieu to the Virgin Rocks an’ the Banks o’ Newf’n’land.

* 2 *

We had one Lynch from Ballynahinch, Spud Murphy an’ Paddy Malone.
‘Twas in the winter of seventy-three those sea-boys suffered sore,
They popped their clothes in Liverpool, sold them all out of hand,
Not thinkin’ of the cold nor’winds on the Banks o’ Newf’n’land.

* 3 *

We had a lady fair aboard, Bridget Reilly wuz ‘er name,
To her I promised marriage an’ on me she had a claim.
She tore up her red flannel petticoats, me bhoys, to make mittens for our hands,
For she could not see them sea-boys freeze, on the Banks o’ Newf’n’land.

* 4 *

I dreamt a dream the other night, an’ t’ought I wuz at home,
I dreamt that me an’ my Judee, wuz back in Dublin Town,
We both wuz in the ale-house wi’ a jug o’ beer in hand,
But when I woke I found no jokes on the Banks o’ Newf’n’land.

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