Subject: Lyr Add: HANDSOME CABIN BOY^^^ From: Susan-Marie Date: 15 Dec 97 - 09:28 AM I'm putting together a set of traditional songs about women and the sea. In addition to a few "my love has left me for the sea" songs, I'd like to do some that have women in a more active role. For example, Maid on the Shore (woman as a pirate), Handsome Cabin Boy (woman becomes sailor, gets pregnant), and Willie Taylor's True Love (woman becomes sailor, finds her false love, shoots him). I found a few variations on these themes in the DTdatabase, as well as couple of mermaid songs. I'd appreciate additional suggestions on themes or songs I've missed. Since Handsome Cabin Boy isn't in the database, here it is: HANDSOME CABIN BOY
'Tis of a lusty female, and you must understand
The captain's wife, her bein' on board, her heart was filled with joy
Whose cheeks they were like roses, his hair was all in curls
'Twas off the Bay of Biscay our gallant ship did plow
It's "Doctor dear, oh doctor!" the cabin boy did cry
The sailors, when they heard the news, they all did stand and stare
So sailors take your tot of rum and drink good health to trade |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Wolfgang Hell Date: 15 Dec 97 - 10:04 AM Susan-Marie, "Female smuggler" and "Female sailor bold" from the DT-database (which has, by the way, Handsome Cabin Boy), not a very active role in "Dreadful ghost"...I just see that entering "@transvestite @sailor" brings all these and many others, active role or much less active. Wolfgang |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Bert Date: 15 Dec 97 - 10:29 AM Do a Forum search for Grace Darling. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Susan-Marie Date: 15 Dec 97 - 12:16 PM Bert and Wolfgang - Thanks for the suggestions (I keep forgetting that the keywords aren't infallible: Handsome Cabin Boy didn't show up under "sea" so I assumed it wasn't there). |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: judy Date: 15 Dec 97 - 01:44 PM I love the "Lady Leroy" which has two versions in the DT. I've heard the second one done by an Irish group: "Oisin". In this song the rich woman disguises herself as a man to buy a ship from her own father to run off with her sailor. The father sends one of his captains after them, they fight, the Lady Leroy (the name of the ship, not the woman) wins and they escape to Boston: Here's a health to pretty Polly! Long may she enjoy Her proudest of heros and the Lady Leroy judy |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Petra A. Cosgrove Date: 15 Dec 97 - 06:13 PM If you feel like doing one in gaelic, use keyword Grainne, or Grania, I haven't the first clue where you would find the music unfortunately... But it's a song about Grainne Ni' Mhaille, (Grace O'Malley) a real life, historically accurate Irish pirate in the 17th century... (she lived at the same time as Elizabeth I, R.) Pei |
Subject: Lyr Add: FEMALE RAMBLING SAILOR (from Ian Robb)^^^ From: Moira Cameron Date: 15 Dec 97 - 07:21 PM Don't forget "Female Ramblin' Sailor": FEMALE RAMBLING SAILOR Source: Ian Robb Topics: Australian, English, Sailor/ship, Women. Come all young maids both near and far, And listen to my ditty; 'Twas near Gravesend there lived a maid-- She was both neat and pretty. Her own true love was pressed away And drowned in some foreign sea; Which caused this fair maid for to say: "I'll be a ramblin' sailor." So with jacket blue and trousers white, Just like a sailor, neat and tight; The sea it was the heart's delight Of the female rambling sailor. From stem to stern she bravely goes; She braves all dangers, fears no foes. But soon you'll hear of the overthrow Of the female rambling sailor. For although her courage did not fail 'Twas stormy seas and wintry gales That o'er this fair maid did prevail-- The female rambling sailor. From stem to stern she bravely went, Where offtimes she'd been many, But her hand it slipped and down she fell. She calmly bade this world farewell. And when her lily-white breast in view it came They found it was a female's frame. Rebbecca Younge it was the name Of the female rambling sailor. On the river Thames she is known well. No sailor there could her excel. Let fall one tear as a last farewell To the female rambling sailor. So come all young maids, both near and far, And listen to my story. Her body is anchored in the ground-- Let's hope her soul's in glory. May the willows wave around her grave And round the laurels planted. May flowers sweet grow at the feet Of the one who was undaunted. Note: I rearranged the order in the last two verses to make it sound more logical a progression to me. Another really good one is "Lowlands"--the one that starts off: I dreamed a dream the other night, Lowlands, lowlands away my Joe, I dreamed I saw my own true love, Lowlands Away. ^^^ added --- -- PA -- |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Barry Date: 15 Dec 97 - 07:45 PM In the DT see the riotious "For The Love Of Willy" & the more romantic ending "Canadee-i-o". Barry |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Bruce O. Date: 15 Dec 97 - 08:42 PM Petra, Do you have what is said to be the original "Granuaile" (Grainne Mhaol, or Ni Mhaille) from Hardiman's 'Irish Minstrelsy'? I'd love to see it, and will in turn post no less than 5 variants of the tune ranging from 1786 to 1859, which I've already coded in ABC. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Susan-Marie Date: 16 Dec 97 - 08:48 AM Judy - thanks for suggesting Lady Leroy. I've been meaning to buy an Oisian CD, do you know which one this song is on? Petra and Bruce - A version of Grace O'Malley is in the DT database in english and gaelic as AN DO/RD FIANNA. However, there's no tune for it so it would great if Bruce could post one or two. Moira - Thanks for the Female Ramblin Sailor. Do you know which Ian Rob CD it's on? Barry - Yes, I found "For The Love Of Willy" and Canadee-i-o". Great Stuff. Do you know where I could find the tune for "For the Love of Willy"? |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Wolfgang Hell Date: 16 Dec 97 - 09:46 AM Found something during another search: Female Warrior Ballads , some of them obviously about life at sea ("Female Captain" and many others). I haven't found out yet whether this is more than just a list of titles. (Of course, if you need at the end of the book/essay (?) something under "curiosa" there are always the many Mermaid ballads) Wolfgang |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Wolfgang Date: 16 Dec 97 - 09:53 AM some more information here Wolfgang |
Subject: Tune Add: GRANUWAIL - GRANA UILE - GRAINNE MHAOL^^ From: Bruce O. Date: 16 Dec 97 - 10:41 AM Susan-Marie, Thanks, I couldn't find it in DT. The song there looks like it might be the original. There were others in the 19th century, sometimes to other tunes. The last are obviously insrumental versions. I can't cope with all of Bunting's ornamentation of X5 below in ABC, so that part is ommitted here. The 2nd strain, which seems to be simply a variation of the first, is also omitted.
X:1
X:2
X:3
X:4
X:5 ^^ |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Susan-Marie Date: 16 Dec 97 - 01:16 PM Wolfgang, thanks for the link to the Female Warrior Ballads list of titles. The only one they currently have words and music to is Female Rambling Sailor, but I think there will be more available in the future. I'm curious to see "The Female Press Gang" and some of the others! As for mermaid songs, I do intend to include one. I'm putting together these songs for a set at a local coffehouse. Bruce, thanks for the melodies. Now, over to the ABC homepage for translation... |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Petra A. Cosgrove Date: 16 Dec 97 - 03:37 PM Bruce- ::drool, drool:: thank you.. the lyrics i found were here on the data base, but Susan Marie already said that one.. Okay.. I'm being kicked off the machine.. for some people people working on finals get annoyed when you're just surfing and there are no more computers in the labs.. :) |
Subject: Lyr Add: OLD GRANNAU WEAL^^ From: Bruce O. Date: 16 Dec 97 - 06:12 PM Notes and errata on the tune "Granuaile", and another 18th century "Granuaile" song.
x1: Cook's Selection should be Cooke's Selection, a book in the British Library which contains "Granuaile", but which I have not seen.
There are two fouled up versions of the tune in the Complete Petrie Collection. "Poor old Granua Weal", #790, starts ok and ends ok, but is in 4/4 time and rather fouled up between the ends. "Graine Mael", #1455, is in F, but should be Fm or F dorian. I discovered that one has to be carefull with ABC's if you want to display them in HTML. I had used left and right angle brackets in my original notation of X3, only to find that an HTML browser hides a left angle bracket followed by a right angle bracket, and everything in between. It took me a couple of minutes to figure out why about half of my tune had disappeared.
Other 18th century songs to the tune. Commodore Gale, Tune - Granny wale. [Granuaile] I posted the song previously on a thread of Guys Songs.
"Grania Meuel" is cited as the tune for a two verse song in 'Songs in Jack the Gyant Queller', Dublin, 1749, from Henry Brooke's suppressed Irish ballad opera of 1748. The song there fits the tune given above (Hime's, X:1).
Granau Wale/Weal is (Mother) Ireland in a song which I think is probably American, although set in Dublin and London. "Old Granau" here complains to several English statesmen about the hard times the English are giving to her sons in America. The song mentions events in America from the Boston tea party up to, but not including the Declaration of Independence. The song was printed in the very rare 'The Green Mountain Songster' of 1823, with the first nine verses reprinted in the Vermont folk song collection, 'The New Green Mountain Songster', (by Flanders, Ballard, Brown and Barry) 1939, reprinted 1966. For this song the title is "Old Granny Wales." A later copy, with several corruptions, is printed from the Stevens-Douglas manuscript (c 1841-56) of western New York in 'A Pioneer Songster', (by Harold Thompson and Edith Cutting) p. 85, 1958. In the latter the song is entitled "Old Grannau Weal." Neither copy contains a tune direction, nor do any of the editors suggest one, but the song fits our tune here quite well. I suspect the song was actually written in America by an Irish American: the writer does not seen to know the names of any real streets in Dublin or London, and even after the date of this song Irishmen were being executed for treason for less provocative acts against the English. Is this the first Irish-American song? [From 'A Pioneer Songster', 1958, with some corrections from 'The New Green Mountain Songster', 1939 and 1966] OLD GRANNAU WEAL
Old Grannau she arose in the morning so soon
He says noble Grannau come tell me in haste
That news is to true lord Cornwall [Conner] he said
(Old Grannau set out with her grand equipage) [Pioneer
You are three [two] villains as I understand
(You are wrongly informed says these gentlemen) (Pioneer
You are three [two] arrant liars says old Grannau in haste They said noble Grannau do'nt give such a vent
I would not have you think for to frighten my sons
O says noble Grannau give me leave for to tell
O Grannau do'nt tell us about bunker hill
Well well says old grannau though Warren is dead
We cannot deny but your Washington's brave
Well Well says old Grannau go on with your cause
Too late will you see your desperate crimes
I have a millions of sons in america born
Sing wobaroo bob-a-roo says old Grannau weal
Hell-a-ma-lee in verse 10 and wobaroo bob-a-roo in the last verse are probably corrupt Gaelic expressions rather than nonsense expressions. One lost Gaelic tune of the middle of the 18th century was entitled "Suba roo roo." ^^ |
Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN I WAS A FAIR MAID (T Ni Dhomhnaill^^ From: Dale Rose Date: 16 Dec 97 - 06:38 PM What about When I Was A Fair Maid by Triona Ni Dhomhnaill? It is on an album entitled Triona that I think is available both on Gael Linn and Green Linnet. It is similar in theme and words to Soldier Maid in the data base.
WHEN I WAS A FAIR MAID
When I was a fair maid about seventeen
Well, the officer that listed me was a tall and handsome man,
Well, they sent me to bed and they sent me to bunk,
Well they sent me up to London for to guard the Tower,
Well the Captain he came up to me and he asked if this was so,
So it's fare thee well Captain, you've been so kind to me,
At the end of each verse, repeat pretty much in this fashion: And the music so grand, and the music so grand, for to hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand.
Note too, that this "fair maid" more than holds her own when it comes to duties on the ship, rather than just beating the drum as in the other song. ^^ |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Petra A. Cosgrove Date: 16 Dec 97 - 10:50 PM Dale- How interesting.. I thought that that was a traditional tune- going to have to go back to my Dad's Steeleye collection (he's got a few more years of collecting folk tunes than I do) and see what it's listed as. Because they do a tune very very similar to that entitled ::thinks:: female drummer boy.. forget which album Petra |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Susan-Marie Date: 17 Dec 97 - 10:11 AM Dale - Thanks for "When I was a Fair Maid". I like the fact that she joins the navy for the music, rather than the usual search for Willy-Oh. Petra - Let me know if you find it on Steeleye, and whether they list the source as traditional. I suppose Triona could have taken the Female Drummer Boy or Soldier Maid and written her own seafaring version. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Jon W. Date: 17 Dec 97 - 10:20 AM I'll bet "Fair Maid" is traditional - Triona does write a few songs but I believe she sticks pretty solidly to traditional sources - especially back in 1975. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Dale Rose Date: 17 Dec 97 - 10:36 AM I have the Green Linnet version, and the notes are not completely helpful, but better than none at all. It does not credit Triona herself in anyway for the words, though that does not mean than she did not adapt them, of course. Her sources for some of the songs on the album are given, but this is not one of them.
Complete notes: |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Moira Cameron Date: 17 Dec 97 - 01:41 PM Susan-Marie: The Female Rambling Sailor is on Ian Robb's "Rose and Crown" album. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Rebecca H Date: 17 Dec 97 - 10:00 PM The song entitled When I was a Fair Maid is sung by The Rude Girls on one of their albums. On there it is called Running the Rigging and it says it is traditional. They sing another female sailor song, but I'll have to go look it up. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Petra A. Cosgrove Date: 17 Dec 97 - 10:09 PM Okay then.. So I'm not loosing my mind.. Petra |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: harpgirl Date: 18 Dec 97 - 12:01 AM Sally Rogers sings "When I was a Fair Maid" on her album The Unclaimed Pint and attributes it to a Triona n'Domnhaill recording. Apologies in advance for what will probably be a triple posting... |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Alan of Australia Date: 18 Dec 97 - 01:56 AM G'day, Steeleye Span recorded "Female Drummer" on the album "Please to See the King". They acknowledged "A Yorkshire girl via Percy Grainger, Bert Lloyd and the Watersons" as the source. I suppose that makes it traditional. Cheers, |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Petra A. Cosgrove Date: 18 Dec 97 - 05:38 PM Thanks Alan.. petra |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca Date: 18 Dec 97 - 07:15 PM I thought that the Maid On The Shore was a mermaid. There is If I Was A Blackbird, although the lady in question sings about wanting to follow her true love to sea. There is Three Fishers, as sung by Stan Rogers on For The Family, although the women aren't out on the boats. Banks of Newfoundland mentions a lady on board who tears up her flannel petticoats to make mittens for the sailors. This is the version sung by Chris Foster. (There is another completely different song by the same name.) The Flower of Serving Men has nothing to do with the sea, but it is a fine song about a woman impersonating a man. Considering its sad and bloody beginning, it's odd that it ends with a joke. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Susan-Marie Date: 22 Dec 97 - 08:36 AM I've never been able to picture the Maid on the Shore as a mermaid because I would think a mermaid would stick to the sea. I think of her as a female land pirate, using herself as a decoy the way other land pirates would use lanterns to lure ships onto rocky coasts. I know there's a better term for that than "land pirate" but I can't remember it. I do plan on using If I Was a Blackbird, I think it's one of the prettiest "my love left me for the sea" songs. Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone. The coffee house is in March, I'll let you know how all the songs went over. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Earl Date: 22 Dec 97 - 08:56 AM I beleive "land pirates" were called mooncussers because the plan didn't work when the moon was bright. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Jon W. Date: 22 Dec 97 - 12:29 PM The Maid on the Shore also had some magical powers, to be able to sing all the seamen to sleep. Right? |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Barry Date: 22 Dec 97 - 04:37 PM Mooncussers were those on shore who would set up false lights, on moonless nights or durning storms, to lure ships to the shore & then reap the landfall. The term I think you're looking for, instead of Land Pirate would be Land Shark. The maid on the shore, as I've been told, is a caster of spells, a witch, she magically (sometimes with an instrument) lulls the full crew to sleep. Susan-Marie, sorry I don't know how to write the music or where you'd find For The Love Of Willy, a friend of mine does it. Barry |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Moira Cameron Date: 23 Dec 97 - 02:32 PM The Maid on the Shore--I've seen several versions of this one written down. Of course, each version had it's own interpretation. In some she is clearly a supernatural being; in others she is simply a very smart young woman. I sing it with the latter interpretation. Why do we have to consider as having magical powers in order for her to outsmart a ship full of sailors and a captain? |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Bert Date: 23 Dec 97 - 03:10 PM Moira, I thought that ALL women had magical powers. I know my wife does. Bert. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: harpgirl Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:57 AM ...I would like to refresh this thread for my father, who has now become a Mudcatter whose name is "The Navigator"...harpgirl |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Grab Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:15 AM Re Susan-Marie, they're often known just as 'wreckers'. Grab. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Wavestar Date: 08 Mar 00 - 11:24 AM I feel as if I'm coming in late here, but I am almost certain that there is a version of "For the Love of Willy-O" on one of the February Tapes, by Gordon Bok and Friends... I know you're looking for traditional songs, but I always thought "The Ways of Man" (in the DT) was a wonderful woman's song about the sea, if a bit depressing. I know I should be thinking of some others, but am not... -J |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: harpgirl Date: 01 Jul 00 - 06:10 PM refried |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Peter Kasin Date: 02 Jul 00 - 05:58 AM Seattle chantey singer David Lovine recorded a song called "Bridget McCaughan The Bonnie Lass"(not sure if I have the spelling of her name right) about a crew member on a sailing ship. She not only takes an active role, she is, by all accounts in this song, a top-notch sailor. The words were written by David Lovine, set to the melody of a traditonal chantey. The album's called "Pierhead Jump." |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: karen k Date: 02 Jul 00 - 06:43 AM Chantyranger, I knew someone once who knew David Lovine and sang a couple of his songs but David didn't have anything recorded then. I've since lost track of that person who knew him. I liked the songs of David's that I heard. Do you know how to get a copy of his recording? I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks in advance. k |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: GUEST,shlenny from Bloomington Date: 02 Jul 00 - 07:05 AM Another song that you might interested is Jack-a-roe (in the database). Not an uncommon song, but relevant I bellieve to your goal.
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Subject: Lyr Add: A BRAVE WOMAN ^^ From: GUEST,Bill Scotland Date: 02 Jul 00 - 01:58 PM This song is about the North East of Scotland and the traditional role of the fisherman's wife. How the fishermen's braveness is more than matched by the courage of the women. The women used to carry the men to and from their boats so as the men didn't get their feet wet. A BRAVE WOMAN Feel the tide carress the bow The saat stings in yer een Feel the wind across yer face As the land is left aleen Wi nae si much as a backward glance And ivvery boat's the same It taks a brave man ti gang ti sea A brave woman ti bide at hame A fisherman aboord a boat Fan he's sailing on the sea Can ging for days in gales and storms Athoot a wink o' sleep But his wife'll tak him on her back And cairry him fae far he came It taks a brave man ti gang ti sea A brave woman ti bide at hame Chorus Brocht up ti the fishing wye Nae thocht o' naething else Feed yer man and yer bairnies first Afore ye feed yersel Bait the sma lines through the nicht Shielin mussels ivvery day Wash his feet and shave his face Sleep wi him and pray For God ti save him fae the sea And her fae anither bairn It taks a brave man ti gang ti sea A brave woman ti bide at hame See the sail boats runnin hame Afore November's gales See the weemen on the beach Fillin their mussel pails Ivvery year a boat gings doon A wife and mither is left again It taks a brave man ti gang ti sea A brave woman ti bide at hame Chorus See the aal wife starin oot Pullin tee her shawl Thinkin back ti her younger days Afore the purse and trawl A picter o' her fower young loons Stares back fae a silver frame It taks a brave man ti gang ti sea A brave woman ti bide at hame Chorus Chorus Cheers Bill ^^ added --- -- PA -- |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Peter Kasin Date: 02 Jul 00 - 07:30 PM Karen K - David Lovine moved to Germany last year and I don't have his current contact info. I do have an extra copy of "Pierhead Jump" and would be glad to send it to you as a freebie. If you'd like, go to my personal messages and leave me your snail mail address and I'll send it along. chanteyranger |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: karen k Date: 02 Jul 00 - 08:23 PM Chanteyranger, Thank you for your kind offer. Have sent you a personal message. karen |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: IanC Date: 03 Jul 00 - 08:36 AM For a real horror, I like singing this one (in DT): Cheers!IanC |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: IanC Date: 03 Jul 00 - 08:49 AM re: Banks of Green Willow. Sorry! Now I've looked at it, it's only a fragmentary version of the one I sing. Perhaps the other version in DT will be more complete. If not, I'll post the whole works. Cheers!IanC |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: A Wandering Minstrel Date: 03 Jul 00 - 09:03 AM I know its modern but don't forget "Polly on the Shore" |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Peter Kasin Date: 03 Jul 00 - 12:38 PM A song about a parrot, eh? -: |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Melani Date: 03 Jul 00 - 03:31 PM For a really funny one, try "How to Gain A Husband", by Annie Lore, recored on "The Grey Cocked Hat". It's pretty old and might be hard to find. "Jackaroe" IS in the data base, two different versions. It's also called "Jack Monroe", but that one's NOT in the data base(at least I couldn't find it just now).Recorded by Teresa Morgan on "Victory Sings At Sea". |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: harpgirl Date: 08 Oct 01 - 02:07 PM refresh for Kathryn of "Women Outlaw" thread. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: harpgirl Date: 21 Feb 02 - 07:50 AM refresh |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: GUEST,AR282 Date: 21 Feb 02 - 08:36 AM You've all named all the female sailor songs I know. The only one I can think of that no one has named is "My Johnny Was a Shoemaker" that heard Steeleye Span do many years ago and it isn't an active-female-sailor-song. I think those would naturally be somewhat limited. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Charley Noble Date: 21 Feb 02 - 08:36 AM Don't think anyone's mentioned Steve Sellors' brilliant satire of the Willie-0 songs, appropriately titled "Willie-O."(All for the Love) New Brunswick's Quigley Ensemble recorded a wonderful rendition of this on QUIGLEY ENSEMBLE:Renovation in 1992. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 21 Feb 02 - 08:40 AM There are some songs about women and the sea at the contemplator site here. [http://www.contemplator.com/sea/] |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Dave Bryant Date: 21 Feb 02 - 09:21 AM I can't see any previous mention of "A sailor's Life" which is yet another (rather improbable) story of a girl going off to find her sailor love and hearing of his demise. I often wonder if the sailors wrote these songs to encourage fidelity, or if it was wishful thinking on behalf of their bored and lonely sweethearts on the shore. Of course in "House Carpenter" the lady does actually dump her partner and go of to sea with someone else ! As for women pirates, besides Grace O'Malley mentioned above, there were also others such as Ann Bonny and Mary Read. How many women successfully posed as men and went to sea undetected will probable never be known, but for some women (especially if their looks were rather masculine) both the sea or army could seem a more attractive life than that of a female drudge. Still, a female (posing as male) managed to rise to the rank of surgeon-general in the British army at the time of the Crimean War. The deception was only discovered after her death. Someone else must have known, however, because in the best "Handsome Cabin Boy" tradition, she had at some point given birth to a baby ! |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Teribus Date: 21 Feb 02 - 10:11 AM "When I was a fair maid" and "Female Drummer" The latter is traditional coming originally from the North-East of England around the early 1700's, although there is an up-dated version complete with chorus relating to the Wars of the French Revolution (Ref Siege of Valenciennes 1795). "When I was a Fair Maid" has too many inconsistencies and far too much of the Female Drummer to ring true, the song is a nonsense: "I listed in the navy for to serve the queen," would have to have been Elizabeth I, or Queen Anne (Victoria is too late). "Well, they sent me to bed and they sent me to bunk," No bunks in naval ships of that time, men either slept on the deck or in hammocks, officers in hammocks or cots that doubled up as coffins. "But taking off my blue coat" Not until Revolutionary War/ Napoleonic war. A mistress of the Prince Regent decided on the colour of the Navy's uniform for officers - Dark blue coats, white breeches and gold lacing. What the men wore was up to the captain of individual ships "Well they sent me up to London for to guard the Tower," There may have been an outside chance of that happening in Elizabethan times but not thereafter as the Navy Royal's guns were stored elsewhere. Besides at that time sailors had nothing to do with guns - not their part of ship - so why would they send a sailor to guard the Tower of London?? Women definitely did go to sea. The most celebrated of them was Hannah Snell who served for fifteen years and was fore-top-man onboard HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. When she was discharged (honourably) she was adjudged to be of good character and profficient in her rate and duties. I know and sing both versions of the "Female Drummer", but I wouldn't even bother learning, "When I was a fair maid" there are better far funnier parody's to sing. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: GUEST,AR282 Date: 21 Feb 02 - 10:19 AM It is interesting that "When I Was a Fair Maid" makes reference to "bunk". That makes me wonder when it was written. First of all, nobody says "bunk" in the American or British Navy but rather "rack". Moreover, my father served aboard a ship in WW2 and he told me they also slept in hammocks. So even as late as the 1940s, the rack had yet to be introduced it would seem aboard Navy ships. Bunk, indeed. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: CapriUni Date: 21 Feb 02 - 11:58 AM Although not a traditional song, there is a neat (and funny) little song in tribute to Ann Bonney written for the PBS children's show "Between the Lions" sung in the character of Ann Bonney herself (in the episode, the older brother and his friend tell his little sister that she can't play pirates with him because all real pirates were boys. His father finds a picture book about Ann Bonney, and when he opens it, her illustration comes to life and off the page to set the record straight). It's a copyrighted song, so I won't post it here directly. But if you click here, and scroll down to "It's Great to be a Pirate", you can choose between a Quicktime, Real Player or Shockwave version. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Bennet Zurofsky Date: 21 Feb 02 - 06:38 PM If the topic is women and the sea, you should certainly include the various "Silkie" songs about mysterious beings who are women on the land and seals in the sea. This is a rich body of lore and there could hardly be a closer relationship between the women and the sea. On a lighter note, you might consider the Eddystone Light: Oh my father was the keeper of the Eddystone Light And he married a mermaid one fine night Out of this union there came three A cod and a mackerel and the third was me! Singing yo ho ho, the wind blows free Ah for the life on the rollong sea! -Bennet |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Gareth Date: 21 Feb 02 - 06:49 PM I am surprised that no one has mentioned Grace Darling, Click 'Ere Gareth
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Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: CapriUni Date: 21 Feb 02 - 08:24 PM I clicked there... you're right, Gareth! What a great song! I wonder what the date was, and if it refers to an historical event. ... Would make a great children's book! |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: GUEST,Dan Schatz Date: 21 Feb 02 - 09:56 PM I don't think anyone mentioned the ballad "William Taylor" (sometimes known as "Billy Taylor") another of the "warrior maiden" motif. Incidentally, a friend once did some research on this phenomenon and discovered an 18th century English law stating that any woman who left her husband, cut off her hair and joined the Navy to look for her lover would be dragged through the street and flogged. I'm reasonably sure the law is no longer on the books. Dan |
Subject: Lyr Add: LEGEND OF THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER (Seibel) From: Bobert Date: 21 Feb 02 - 10:15 PM My favorite, Paul Seibel's "LEGEND OF THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER" which I used to do in D and went something like:
Well, the ship went down in the icy waters
Wild geese were flying low
People came from miles around
Some times in the night a-passin'
So if you're sailin' in the northern waters
For I have lived beneath That's the jist of the song, I may have a few words out of place, though... |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Bobert Date: 21 Feb 02 - 10:39 PM Sorry about the lousy spellin and typing. You see, my teenager has worn the letters off all the important keys and... well... I guess a lot... Being lexdexic don't help much either.... |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Melani Date: 21 Feb 02 - 11:06 PM Yes, "Grace Darling" refers to a real historical event, 19th century, I forget the exact date. See the book "Grace Had An English Heart," by Jessica Mitford. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE and WHALING WIFE From: Hrothgar Date: 22 Feb 02 - 12:29 AM How do these go, as women and the sea? I was a little bit surprised not to find "The Fisherman's Wife in the DT. Is it under another name?
THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE
A' the week your man's awa',
Through the months and through the years,
Work and wait and dree your weird,
WHALING WIFE
Oh, I'm waiting here at hame, and I always feel the same
Now it's time the kids were fed, and I'll put them into bed
If the whaling catch is fine, we will have an easy time,
So it's waiting that I am, and I'm thinking of my man |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Teribus Date: 22 Feb 02 - 03:55 AM For CapriUni and Melani above: Grace Darling (1815 - 1843) Born at Bamburgh, Grace Darling's fame is due to one act of courage when with her father, lighthouse keeper William Darling, she rescued the survivors of the shipwrecked SS Forfarshire on 7 September 1838. The Darlings lived at the Longstone lighthouse on Brownsman Island in the Farne Islands. After difficulties with its engine boilers, the Forfarshire (on a journey from Hull to Dundee) with about 60 people on board struck the rocks of a neighbouring island on a stormy night. Nine of the crew and one passenger escaped on the only lifeboat on board but many of the passengers (who had been in their cabins below deck) were drowned. As the morning dawned, 9 remaining survivors (5 crew and 4 passengers) were seen clinging to the rocks and Grace and her father rowed to their rescue and then looked after them in the lighthouse for 3 days. To her distress, she became a great Victorian celebrity with countless books, magazine articles, poems (including one by Swinburne) and paintings being created in her honour. But there is no evidence that the story that she had to persuade her reluctant father to attempt the rescue has any truth in it although this is the basis of many of the poems and articles. She died of consumption (tuberculosis) at the age of only 26 and is buried at Bamburgh church. A monument in the churchyard was designed to be seen by any passing ship. The Grace Darling Museum in the village contains many mementoes, including the original little boat which she and her father rowed to the rescue. A memorial in St Cuthbert's chapel on the Farne Islands includes the inscription: "Pious and pure, modest and yet so brave, though young so wise, though meek so resolute". Cheers, Bill. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Dave Bryant Date: 22 Feb 02 - 04:20 AM Of course there's always The Scolding Wife - she ends up getting sent to sea ! Incidently, it was quite usual for "Ladies" to be aboard a ship in harbour. The cry "Show a leg" was a way of distinguishing which hammocks contained women when the watch was roused. It was probably quite common for captain's wives to accompany their husbands to sea in merchant ships. Kipling's "The Mary Gloster" mentions an instance. |
Subject: Lyr Add: GRACE DARLING From: Willa Date: 22 Feb 02 - 04:04 PM CapriUni and Melani:
'Twas on the Longstone lighthouse there dwelt an English maid
CHORUS: So she pulled away on the rolling sea, over the waters blue.
They to the rock were clinging, a crew of nine all told.
One murmured prayer, "heaven guard us," and then they were afloat,
They bravely rode the billows and reached the rock at length.
|
Subject: Lyr Add: IDA LEWIS (Barry Finn) From: Barry Finn Date: 23 Feb 02 - 04:08 PM Another of the famed women lighthouse keepers (America's most famous) was Ida Lewis. She kept the Lime Rock Light after her father took (4 months after arriving at age 15) to a wheelchair. No American lighthouse has ever had it's name changed by the Lighthouse Service (part of the Coast Guard), except for the Lime Rock Light. It was renamed the Ida Lewis Light. After the Light was retired it was bought by the Newport Yacht Club, who remend the club the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, & has been maintained by them. Her first rescue, at age 16, was 4 young men. Her last was a close friend at age 63. Here's part of her story in song: IDA LEWIS
Ida Lewis left Newport at the age of 15,
Her sisters & brother she'd row to school every day
Renowned for her skills no matter the weather
There are saints on the water & demons in the sea
Now they've renamed that rock the Ida Lewis Rock Light copyright 1998 Barry Finn |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 23 Feb 02 - 05:31 PM That's a beautiful story and song. Congratulations, Barry |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: CapriUni Date: 23 Feb 02 - 06:08 PM Indeed, Barry. Thanks for sharing! |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Gareth Date: 23 Feb 02 - 06:32 PM Oh Dear - Capri U - and there I was thinking that every one new the true story of Grace Darling and the wreck of the "Forfarshire" that I did not need to say it was a true story. - Truly we are a common people seperated by a common culture. Gareth |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: CapriUni Date: 23 Feb 02 - 11:29 PM Heh, we each have our "hometown" heros... It's wonderful though, that we can each have stories as stable in our mind's landscape as a mountain range. And it's even more wonderful when we can share them. :-) |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: AR282 Date: 24 Feb 02 - 09:58 AM Some books that might have women-at-sea lyrics are those of Joan Druett who has written several including "She Captains", "Hen Frigates", "Captain's Daughter, Coasterman's Wife", She Was a Sister Sailor", and "Petticoat Whalers". I believe they are all put out by Simon & Schuster. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: harpgirl Date: 01 Mar 02 - 07:22 AM re |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: Abuwood Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:09 AM What about the song of Ron Baxter - see album We are the Women left on the shore , Scolds Bridle http://website.lineone.net/~chantey_cabin/ |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE (Finley Mullally) From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 02 Mar 02 - 01:42 PM There's a beautiful and haunting song about a woman who has seen her husband and children die over the years, given over to the sea. Finley Mullaly's song, Fisherman's Wife.... THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE
As remembered in the singing memory of Margo Carruthers |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea From: fi_in_nz Date: 17 Apr 06 - 10:04 AM Refresh - an add to my list of threads...... inspired by Lancaster Festival ;-) F |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE WOMAN WARRIOR From: beetle cat Date: 03 Apr 07 - 09:54 PM Hello all Can anybody tell me the Child# of this? I am also looking for a native American ballad of the same sort, for a folklore paper I'm working on, to do a comparison of the two. Barry Finn's Ida Lewis might work. I would appreciate other suggestions. Cheers Mary THE WOMAN WARRIOR p257, vol VII, English and Scottish Ballads Let the females attend To the lines which are penn'd For here I shall give a relation Of a young marry'd wife, Who did venture her life For a soldier, a soldier she went from the nation. She her husband did leave, And did likewise receive Her arms, and on board she did enter, And right valiantly went, With a resolution bent To the ocean, the ocean, her life there to venture. Yet of all the ship's crew, Not a seaman that knew They then had a woman so near 'em; On the ocean so deep She her council did keep, Ay, and therefore, and therefore she never did fear 'em. She was valiant and bold, And would not be controul'd By any that dare to offend her; Id a quarrel arose, She would give him dry blows, And the captain, the captain did highly commend her. For he took her to be Then of no mean degree, A gentleman's son, or a squire; With a hand white and fair, There was none could compare, Which the captain, the captain did often admire. On the Irish shore, Where the cannons did roar, With many stout lads she was landed; There her life to expose, She lost tow of her toes, And in battle, in battle was daily commended. Under Grafton she fought Like a brave hero stout, And made the proud Tories retire; She in field did appear With a heart void of fear, And she bravely, she bravely did charge and give fire. While the battering balls Did assault the strong walls Of Cork, and sweet trumpets sounded, She did bravely advance Where by unhappy chance This young female, young female, alas! she was wounded. At the end of of the fray Still she languishing lay, Then over the ocean they brought her, To her own native shore; Now they ne'er knew before That a woman, a woman had been in that slaughter. What she long had conceal'd Now at length she reveal'd, That she was a woman that ventur'd; Then to London with care She did straitways repair, But she dy'd, oh she dy'd, e'er tho tho city she enter'd When her parents beheld, They with sorrow was fill'd, For why, they did dearly adore her; In her grave she now lies, Tis not watery eyes, No, not sighing, nor sighing that e'er can restore her. |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea (songs about) From: beetle cat Date: 03 Apr 07 - 11:08 PM I am getting somewhat frustrated and disturbed by the lack of female sea heroes in American balladry. I am telling myself that it is because songs of the sea often did not have a real nationality, but so many of the above ballads mention British women, that this argument doesn't work. Will somebody please prove me wrong? |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE MAIN ROYAL YARD From: Barry Finn Date: 04 Apr 07 - 12:13 AM Here Bettle Cat This is from my singing partner. THE MAIN ROYAL YARD
As I walked out one morning down by the Boston Docks |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE STORM WITCH (Alan Day) From: Alan Day Date: 04 Apr 07 - 04:17 AM About twenty years ago I wrote this song and have just written a tune to go with it.It is based on a true story
THE STORM WITCH
Through summer months and Winter storm |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea (songs about) From: beetle cat Date: 04 Apr 07 - 03:25 PM Hello again. Thank you for the contributions. I actually chose to change my topic, but this is nevertheless very interesting. And yea, it is after the sailboat. Mary |
Subject: Lyr Add: SHIPMATES + NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER (Watson) From: Charley Noble Date: 04 Apr 07 - 08:32 PM Here's a couple of songs that should be in this thread (copy and paste into WORD/TIMES/12 to line up chords). The first is one by the nautical poet Cicely Fox Smith: Poem by Cicely Fox Smith, 1914, from SONGS & CHANTIES: 1914-1916, edited by Cicely Fox Smith, published by Elkin Mathews, London, © 1919, pp. 25-26 As adapted by Charles Ipcar 1/18/06 Tune: after traditional "I Know Where I'm Going" Shipmates (1914) C---------------G------C------------------------F------C------G Good-bye and fare ye well, for we'll sail no more to-geth-er, C--------------------------------G-C-----F-----------G Up and down the deep seas, in fair or foul weath-er: -------C------------------------G-C-----------F-C--G We'll sail no more together, in foul weath-er or fine, -----C----G--C----F----------C--G--F And you'll go your way, and I'll go mine, -----C----G--C---F-----------C--G--C And you'll go your way, and I'll go mine. Oh the world is very wide, and there's never any knowing – The countries we'll be seeing, or the ports where we'll be going; Up and down the deep seas, back across the Line, And you'll go your way, and I'll go mine, And you'll go your way, and I'll go mine. Good-bye and fare ye well – but maybe we'll be meeting, In some foreign city, where we'll shout each other greeting; Back from deep sea roving, back from wind and weather – You and me from cross the seas, two shipmates together, You and me from cross the seas, two shipmates together! You'll blow up from Eastward, and I'll blow in from the West, And of all the times we ever had, it's then we'll have the best; We'll raise a glass and sing our songs, and all things will be fine – Then you'll go your way, and I'll go mine, Then you'll go your way, and I'll go mine. So good-bye and fare ye well: may naught but good attend ye, All around the wide world, where sailor's luck may send ye; Up and down the deep seas, back across the Line – And you'll go your way, and I'll go mine, And you'll go your way, and I'll go mine! The other is by nautical songwriter Bob Watson: Words and Music by Bob Watson, © 2003 ROM Watson Neptune's Daughter D---------G------------------------Em-----------G--------------C---------D There's a voice that I just heard call-ing, I've heard man-y times be-fore, ----------G---------------------Em--------------C----------------G And it's call-ing Nep-tune's daugh-ter back to the sea once more, ------C-----------------G-----------D-----------------G Back to the sea once more, back to the sea once more, ----------G---------------------Em--------------C----------------G And it's call-ing Nep-tune's daugh-ter back to the sea once more. It's borne on the winds and breezes, and sung on the sea birds' cry, And when Neptune calls his daughter, then no daughter can deny; No daughter can deny, no daughter can deny, When old Neptune calls his daughter, then no daughter can deny. Ever since that I was a young girl, before I was full-grown I'd have traded dolls and dresses, for a boat to call my own; For a boat to call my own, for a boat to call my own; I'd have traded dolls and dresses, for a boat to call my own. Now I have my own boat waiting, to sail when the tide's inclined, And it's Neptune's daughter who must go, and you must stay behind; And you must stay behind, and you must stay behind, And it's Neptune's daughter who must go, and you must stay behind. Think me more of a friend than sweetheart, then it's less of a price you'll pay, If you yearn for Neptune's daughter, you'll just pine your heart away; You'll just pine your heart away, you'll just pine your heart away, If you yearn for Neptune's daughter, you'll just pine your heart away. For it's well that you should remember, it's well that you should decide, I was always Neptune's daughter, long before I was your bride; Long before I was your bride, before I was your bride, I was always Neptune's daughter, before I was your bride. Sometimes when the twilight's falling, in tune with the night wind's play, Will you think of Neptune's daughter, on the ocean far away? On the ocean far away, on the ocean far away, Will you think of Neptune's daughter, on the ocean far away? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Women & the Sea (songs about) From: diplocase Date: 24 Feb 16 - 04:43 PM The link to PBS' Between the Lions page no longer goes to "It's Great To Be A Pirate." It may not be trad but it's Gilbert & Sullivan-esque and pretty darn funny, so here are new links! best, diplocase the lyrics the song |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE FEMALE RAMBLING SAILOR From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Oct 18 - 08:44 AM Here’s a longer version than the one attributed to Ian Robb and posted by Moira Cameron above. These lyrics were found in Jenny Lind Songster (Newcastle: John Gilbert, no date, circa 1850), page 16. The Bodleian Library has about 11 editions. FEMALE RAMBLING SAILOR. Come all you people far and near, And listen to my ditty. At Gravesend lived a maiden fair, Who was both young and pretty. Her love he was pressed away, And drowned in a foreign sea, Which caus’d this maid for to say, I'll be a female sailor. This maiden she was resolved to go Across the foaming ocean. She was resolved to let them know How she can gain promotion. With jacket blue and trousers white Just like a sailor neat and tight, The sea it was the heart‘s delight Of the rambling female sailor. Like a sailor true she went on board, All for to do her duty. She was always ready with a call, This maid the queen of beauty. When in a calm, this damsel young Would charm the sailors with her tongue, As she walked the deck and sweetly sung, The female rambling sailor. When in the storm upon the sea, She was ready at her station. Her mind as calm as calm could be, She loved her occupation. From stem to stern she‘d boldly go. She braved all dangers, feared no foe, But soon you'll hear the overthrow Of the rambling female sailor. This maiden gay did a wager lay She would go aloft with any, And up aloft she straight did go, Where times she had been many. This maiden bold, oh! sad to tell, She missed her hold, and down she fell, And calmly bid this world farewell, Did the female sailor bold. This maiden gay did fade away, Just like a drooping willow, Which made the sailors sigh and say, Farewell, young faithful Willy. When her snow-white breasts in sight came, She proved to be a female frame, And Rebecca Young it was the name, Of the rambling female sailor. May willows wave around her grave, And round it laurels planted; May roses sweet grow at the feet Of one who was undaunted. May a marble stone be inscribed upon, Near here lies one so lately gone, A maiden fair as the sun shone on— The rambling female sailor. So all young men and maidens around, Come listen to my story. Her body is anchored to the ground; Let's hope her soul‘s in glory. On the' river Thames she was known well— Few sailors could with her excell— The tear let fall as the fate you tell Of the rambling female sailor. |
Subject: RE: Songs about women & the sea From: GUEST,Julia L Date: 14 Oct 18 - 05:47 PM Here's a version I transcribed from the Flanders collection THE RAMBLING FEMALE SAILOR Jack McNally, Stacyville, Maine 8/28/1942 Helen Hartness Flanders Collection, Middlebury VT Note: Recording is compromised Singer's phrasing became uneven and breathless after the first verse Come all you boys from far and near And listen to my ditty Whilst I do tell of a come-lie maid And she was both young and pretty This maid's true love was pressed away And drownded in some foreign sea Which caused this fair maid for to say "I will be a rambling sailor" With the jacket blue and trousers white Just like some sailor neat and tight And the raging seas was the heart's delight Of the rambling female sailor From stem to stern she would free-lie go She braved all dangers and feared no foe But soon you'll hear of the overthrow Of the rambling female sailor This maiden gay did a wager lay She would go aloft with any Aloft she went as they do tell Where she'd been ofttimes many In going aloft as they do tell She missed her hold and down she fell And she careless-lie bid this world farewell Did the rambling female sailor And when her snow white breast was seen They took her to be some foreign queen Miss Rebecca Young it was the name Of the rambling female sailor On the river Sames she was known right well And few of the pretty girls could her excel But one fatal call was the sad downfall Of the rambling female sailor |
Subject: RE: Songs about women & the sea From: Gallus Moll Date: 16 Oct 18 - 05:59 PM Nancy Nicolson's 'The Mistress' is a fabulous song -- not traditional but truly haunting. (not sure if anyone else has mentioned it earlier?) |
Subject: RE: Songs about women & the sea From: Lighter Date: 16 Oct 18 - 06:59 PM Wot, no "Cruising Round Yarmouth"/ "Ratcliffe Highway"? |
Subject: RE: Songs about women & the sea From: GUEST,henryp Date: 17 Oct 18 - 06:34 AM Shirley Collins sings Polly on the Shore; Come all you wild young men And a warning take by me, Never to lead your single life astray And into no bad company. Coope Boyes and Simpson sing Lester Simpson's Polly on the Shore; I can still hear those stunning harmonies! She headed down to Sailor Town, began her education, But Polly knew the only way to win was fighting back, She learned the ropes and fleeced the dopes, and dreamed above her station, She kept half of everything she ever stole from Jack. So you can think that she's your Polly on the shore, She'll be your mother or your sister or your whore, She'll be waving ‘till you're safely out of view, Then she's looking for another sailor, gullible as you. |
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