The Diamond Ship
(Greig-Duncan collection, #11B)
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1 The Diamond was a ship, brave boys, for Davis Straits was bound,
And the quay it was all garnished with pretty girls around;
Where Captain Gibbons gave command to cross the mountains high,
Where the sun it never sets, brave boys, nor darkness in the sky.
So be cheerful, brave boys, let your courage never fail,
Whilst the boys on the Diamond goes a-fishing for the whale.

2 Along the quay of Aberdeen the girlies they do stand,
With their mantles all around them, the tears running down.
Don't weep, my pretty fair maids, tho' you be left behind,
For the rose shall grow on Greenland's ice before we change our mind.
CHORUS

3 Oh jovial be the days when our Greenland lads come home,
For they are men of honour, of bravery and renown.
They wear the trousers of the white, the jacket of the blue,
And when they come to Aberdeen they'll get sweethearts enew.
CHORUS

4 Oh jovial be the days when our Greenland lads come home,
For they are men of honour belonging to our town.
They make the cradles for to rock, the blankets for to wear;
And the girlies into Aberdeen sing "Hussy Ba, my dear".
CHORUS

5 Here's a health unto the Hercules, another to the Jane;
Here's a health unto the Bon-accord, the Diamond by her lane.
Here's a health unto the Bon-accord, the Diamond with her crew;
Here's a health unto each bonnie lass that's got a heart so true.

SINGER: JAMES MACKIE   Collector: Greig