The Black Ball Line

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Melody - Seq. by Helmut Uthof
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Capstan or Heaving Shanty; French version

Come all ye young fellows that follow the sea
To me, way hey, blow the man down
Now please pay attention and listen to me
O, give me some time to blow the man down

2. I'm a deep water sailor just come from Hong Kong
To me, way hey, blow the man down
You give me some whiskey, I'll sing you a song
O, give me some time to blow the man down

3. When a trim Black Ball liner's preparing for sea
To me, way hey, blow the man down
On a trim Black Ball liner I wasted me prime
O, give me some time to blow the man down

4. When a trim Black Ball liner preparing for sea
To me, way hey, blow the man down
You'll split your sides laughing such sights you would see
O, give me some time to blow the man down

5. There's tinkers and tailors, shoemakers and all
To me, way hey, blow the man down
They're all shipped for sailors aboard the Black Ball
O, give me some time to blow the man down

6. When a big Black Ball liner's a-leaving her dock
To me, way hey, blow the man down
The boys and the girls on the pier-head do flock
O, give me some time to blow the man down

7. Now, when the big liner, she's clear of land
To me, way hey, blow the man down
Our bosun he roars out the word of command
O, give me some time to blow the man down

8. Come quickly, lay aft to the break of the poop
To me, way hey, blow the man down
Or I'll help you along with the toe of me boot
O, give me some time to blow the man down

9. Pay attention to orders, now, you one and all
To me, way hey, blow the man down
For see high above there flies the Black Ball
O, give me some time to blow the man down

10. 'Tis larboard and starboard, on deck you will sprawl
To me, way hey, blow the man down
For kicking Jack Rogers commands the Black Ball
O, give me some time to blow the man down

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