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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
cnd Lyr Add: Whiskey, Johnny (12) RE: Lyr Add: Whiskey, Johnny 21 Sep 23


As sung by Oscar Brand and Erik Darling on American Drinking Songs (Riverside Records RLP 12-630, 1965). Liner Notes:
Concerted effort once called for concerted singing aboard America’s proud clipper ships. Shorthaul shanties were chorused by the sailors while the shantymen sang out the verses. These last always included special references to the favorite topics of men abstinent perforce: wild escapades, whiskey, and wild, wild women.

My transcription:

WHISKEY JOHNNY

Now whiskey is the life of man
Whiskey Johnny
I'll drink whiskey when I can
Whiskey for my Johnny

Whiskey made me pawn my clothes
Whiskey Johnny
Whiskey give me a broken nose
Whiskey for my Johnny

Whiskey killed my poor old dad
Whiskey Johnny
Whiskey drove my mother mad
Whiskey for my Johnny

I got a girl, her name is 'Lize
Whiskey Johnny
She puts whiskey in her pies
Whiskey for my Johnny

I thought I heard the captain say
Whiskey Johnny
I'll treat the crew in a better way
Whiskey for my Johnny

A glass of grog for every man
Whiskey Johnny
And a bottle for the shantyman
Whiskey for my Johnny

It's whiskey stole my brains away'n
Whiskey Johnny
The boatswain pipes and I'll be layin' (possibly, belay 'n)
Whiskey for my Johnny

Now whiskey weak and whiskey strong
Whiskey Johnny
Give me whiskey, I'll sing a song
Whiskey for my Johnny


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