084 - Goodbye Fare-ye-well (D)


This shanty was sung at the windlass or capstan when raising the anchor. Verses to this version are the version from "The Dreadnought". I used a slightly different melody mentioned by Stan Hugill, after this version (version D), in the text, he mentioned, is that some of the seamen sang the first few bars this way.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 122, 123).



Goodbye Fare-ye-well (D)

'Tis of a flash packet - a packet o' fame,
   - Goodbye, fare-ye-well! goodbye, fare-ye-well!
She's a rorty flash packet an' the "Dreadnought's" her name.
   - Horraw, me boys, we're homeward bound!

                  *2*
She's bound to the west'ard where the salty winds blow,
Bound away in the "Dreadnought" to the Pierhead do flock.

                  *3*
It's now we are leavin' the sweet salthouse Dock,
Where the boys an' the girls on the Pierhead do flock.

                  *4*
They give three loud cheers while the tears freely flow,
Bound away in the Dreadnought to the west'ard we'll go.

                  *5*
It's now we are sailin' on the wild Irish shore,
Our passangers all sick, and our new mates all sore.

                  *6*
Oh, it's now we've arrived on the Banks o' Newf'n'land,
Where the bottom's all fishes an' fine yeller sand.

                  *7*
Where the fishes they sing as they swim to an' fro,
She's a Liverpool packet--O Lord let 'er go!

                  *8*
Now we're a-runnin' down the Long Island shore,
Where the Pilot will board us as he's done oft before.

                  *9*
Then back yer main tops'l raise yer main tack also,
Bound away to the west'ard in the Dreadnought we go.

                  *10*
It's now we've arrived in ol' New York once more,
Where I'll see my dear Sal, oh, the gal I adore.

                  *11*
I'll call for strong liquors an' married we'll be,
Here's a health to the Dreadnought where'er she may be.

                  *12*
Here's a health to her Ol' Man an' officers too,
Here's a health to the Dreadnought, to the west'ard we'll go!

                  *13*
This song was composed when the watch went below,
Bound away in the Dreadnought, to the west'ard we'll go!