The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #48079   Message #2817384
Posted By: Mick Pearce (MCP)
21-Jan-10 - 05:25 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Don't forget yer old shipmate
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't forget yer old shipmate
Here's the version from Firth's Naval Songs And Ballads, 1908.

DON'T FORGET YOUR OLD SHIPMATE

We're the boys that fear no noise
Whilst thundering cannons roar,
And long we've toiled on the rolling wave,
And now we're safe on shore.
  Don't forget your old shipmate,
  Fol de rol.


Since we sailed from Plymouth Sound,
Four years gone, to-night, Jack,
Were there ever chummies known,
Such as you and I, Jack?

We have served the self-same gun,
Quarter-deck division,
Sponger I, and loader you,
Through the whole commission.

Oftentimes have we laid out,
Toil nor danger fearing,
Hauling out the flapping sail
To the weather ear-ring.

When the middle watch was on,
And the time went slow, boy.
Who could tune a rousing stave,
Who like Jack or Joe, boy?

There she swings an empty hulk,
Not a soul below now;
Number seven, starboard mess,
Misses Jack and Joe now.

But the best of friends must part,
Fair or foul the weather;
Tip us your flipper for a shake,
Now a drink together;


Source: Firth: Naval Songs and Ballads, 1908

Firth's notes say: "By R.C.Saunders. Communicated by Sir J.K.Laughton"

Mick