There is a wealth of memorial songs to choose from. This one probably has no direct connection with the Boarding Party or Jonathan, but I'd like to think it would resonate with those who were closest to him. The song is based on a poem by C. Fox Smith, musically arranged and sung by Danny and Joyce M McLeod on their CD Never a Cross Word, © 2002 Old & New Tradition:

SO LONG

(Words by C. Fox Smith in Sea Songs & Ballads © 1924
Words slightly modified by Charlie Ipcar-8/12/02
Tune by Alan Fitzsimmons)

Chorus:

C----------Am------------Dm-------C--Dm
All coiled down, an' it's time for us to go;
G-------------------------F--------------C
Every sail's furled in a neat harbour stow;
--------------------Am--------Dm---------C-Dm
Another ship for us, an' for her a-noth-er crew –
----G--------C------G----F------------------G-C
An' so long, sailor-man, here's good luck to you!


Fun an' friends I wish you, till your pay's all gone –
Pleasure while you're spending, satisfaction when you're done –
A chest that's never empty, when you're back to sea,
An' a better ship than she's been, an' a truer pal than me. (CHO)

A good berth I wish you, in a ship that's well found,
With a decent crowd up forrard, an' her running gear all sound,
Spars a man can trust, when it comes on to blow,
An' no bucko mate a-bawlin', when it's your watch below. (CHO)

A good Trade I wish you, an' a fair landfall,
Neither fog nor iceberg, nor long calm, nor squall,
A pleasant port to come to, when your work's all through –
An' so long, sailorman, here's good luck to you. (CHO)

Cheerily,
Charley Noble