Steve,

I've also been mining the minstrel song inventory, and exploring the connection between those songs and roustabout and stevedore work songs and chants. I've also led workshops at Mystic and NEFFA on this topic.

I've been singing a version of "Storm Along Stormy" for years, fitted to the tune of "Sail Away, Ladies, Sail Away."

My version runs:

Based on a song by John Smith of White's Serenaders at the Melodeon, New York City, from White's New Ethiopian Song Book, published by T. B. Peterson & Bros., Philadelphia, US, © 1854, p. 71.
Adapted by Charles Ipcar 3/29/10
Tune: after Sail Away, Ladies, Sail Away
Key: F (5/C)
Storm Along Stormy-2

C-----------------------G-------C
Now I wish I was in Mobile Bay,
-----------------------F---C
Storm along, Stor-my, storm along!
------------------------G-C
Screwin' cotton all de day,
-----------------------F---C
Storm along, Stor-my, storm along!

---------------------F
Oh, you rollers, storm along,
---------------------C
Oh, you rollers, storm along,
F-------C---------G
Hoist that bale an' sing dis song --
-----------------------F---C
Storm along, Stor-my, storm along!


I wish I was in New Orleans,
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!
Dancin' with them Cajun queens,
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

Oh, you rollers, storm along,
Oh, you rollers, storm along,
Hoist that bale an' sing dis song --
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

I wish I was on the Midway Plasance,
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!
Watchin’ Lil’ Egypt do the Hoochi Coochie Dance,
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

Oh, you rollers, storm along,
Oh, you rollers, storm along,
Hoist that bale an' sing dis song --
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

Now I thought I heard our Captain say,
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!
"Sun's g'wan down, go get your pay!"
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

Oh, you rollers, storm along,
Oh, you rollers, storm along,
Hoist that bale an' sing dis song --
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

Drop your hook an' give a hollar,
Drop your hook an' give a hollar,
We's ashore for the Yankee dollar --
Storm along, Stormy, storm along!

Cheerily,
Charlie Ipcar