064 - Sacramento (A)

This song was sung as a capstan anchor shanty, especially when raising the "mud-hook". The origin of this shanty has many controversies. Due to tune, form, and "Hoodah" or "Doodah" chorus, it has long been associated with Stephen Foster's "Camptown Races". C. F. Smith claims this shanty came after the minstrel ditty, it is very curious that a new set of words should have been fitted to the chorus of "Camptown Races", while it was still a new song.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 107, 108).



Sacramento A

As I wuz rollin' down the strand,
   - Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah!                                             
I met two fairies hand in hand,
   - Hoo-dah! Hoo-dah day!

   - Blow, boys, blow!
   - For Californ-eye-O!
   - There's plenty o' gold so I've bin told,
   - On the banks o' the Sacramento

               *2*
I chose the one with the curly locks,
She let me chase her o'er the rocks,

               *3*
I chased her high, I chased her low,
I fell down an' broke me toe.

               *4*
Off to the doctor I did go,
An' I showed him my big toe.

               *5*
In came the doctor with a bloomin' big lance,
'Now, young sailor, I'll make you dance!'

               *6*
In came the nurse with a mustard poultice,
Banged it on, but I took no notice.

               *7*
Now I'm well and free from pain,
I'll never court flash gals again.