104 - My Bonnie Highland Lassie-O - Capstan Shanty


The capstan shanty which is related to "The Powder Monkey" shore sea-song, and "Donkey Riding" is this one. "My Bonnie Highland Lassie-O" is a song used both for anchor work and for hauling logs through the timber ports of the droghers. This version Stan Hugill learned from his friend Seamus Ennis of the B.B.C. Folk-Song team. Seamus Ennis collected it in Ireland, from the McDonagh family, Feanish Island, Carna, Country Galway.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 149).


My Bonnie Highland Lassie-O


Were you ever in Roundstone Town?
   - Bonnie lassie, highland lassie!
Were you ever in Roundstone Town?
   - My bonnie highland lassie-O?
I was often in Roundstone Town,
Drinking milk and eating flour,
   - Altough I am a young maid,
   - That lately left my mammy-O!

            *2*
Were you ever in Galway Bay?
   - Bonnie lassie, highland lassie!
Were you ever in Galway Bay,
   - My bonnie highland lassie-O?
I was often in Galway Bay,
Drinking coffe and bohay,
   - Altough I am a young maid,
   - That lately left my mammy-O!

            *3*
Were you ever in Quebec?
   - Bonnie lassie, highland lassie!
Were you ever in Quebec?
   - My bonnie highland lassie-O?
I was often in Quebec,
Throwing timber up on deck,
   - Altough I am a young maid,
   - That lately left my mammy-O!

            *4*
Are you fit to sweep the floor?
   - Bonnie lassie, highland lassie!
Are you fit to sweep the floor?
   - My bonnie highland lassie-O?
I am fit to sweep the floor,
As the lock is for the door,
   - Altough I am a young maid,
   - That lately left my mammy-O!