The Black Ball Line

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