Need a seafaring love song

Subject: Need a seafaring love song
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 04 - 04:45 PM

I would be much obliged if someone could just give me the lyrics to a seafaring love song. The sailor in love, and must go away to sea, that sort of thing. Something along the lines of "Sweet Lovely Nancy" but not that particular song. (It's for something to do with Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, if that helps) Thank you!

Subject: Lyr Add: WAIT TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY
From: Amos
Date: 06 May 04 - 04:57 PM

WAIT TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY
Words by J T Wood, music by H J Fulmer, 1881

Jenny, my own true loved one,
I'm going far from thee,
Out on the bounding billows,
Out on the dark blue sea!

How I will miss you, my darling,
There when the storm is raging high,
Jenny, my own true loved one,
Wait till the clouds roll by.

CHORUS: Wait till the clouds roll by, Jenny,
Wait till the clouds roll by
Jenny, my own true loved one,
Wait till the clouds roll by

Jenny, when far from thee, love,
I'm on the ocean deep,
Will you then dream of me, love,
Will you your promise keep?

And will I come to you darling?
Take courage dear, and never sigh
Gladness will follow sorrow,
Wait till the clouds roll by. CHORUS

Jenny, I'll keep your image
Within my heart so true,
Each thought of mine forever
Still love, shall be of you,

Dry then your teardrops, my darling,
Soon will the night of sorrow fly,
Cheer up and don't be lonely,
Wait till the clouds roll by. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: GUEST,emily rain
Date: 06 May 04 - 05:12 PM

THE LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL
it's in the digitrad:

"and so fare thee well, my own true love
for when i return united we will be
it's not the leaving of liverpool that grieves me
but my darling, when i think of thee"

BLOW THE WIND SOUTHERLY

blow the wind southerly southerly southerly
blow the wind south o'er the bonnie blue sea
blow the wind southerly southerly southerly
blow bonnie breeze my lover to me

they told me last night there were ships in the offing
and i hurried down to the deep rolling sea
but my eye could not see it wherever might be it
the barque that is bearing my lover to me

(with a couple extra verses by a lovelorn, teenage version of myself:)

"his hair is as dark as an evening in autumn
his eyes are the hue of the meadows in spring
and while i am yearning the seasons are turning
and soon my true love will come sailing to me"

"i would to the lord i could swim like the fishes
or fly like a gull through the high ocean spray
i'd find him and meet him, in love i would greet him
and live in his arms till the end of my days"

ALL FOR THE LOVE OF WILLY
transvestite-sailor type ditty, with a twist! (not traditional) it's in the digitrad:

"she signed on a barque to work on a barque
she signed on a barque and she put out to sea
she signed on a barque and she put out to sea,
all for to search in a far country
all for the love, all for the love,
and it's all for the love of her willy-o"

Subject: Lyr Add: BLACK-EYED SUSAN
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 04 - 05:16 PM

BLACK-EYED SUSAN
Download Midi File
Lesley Nelson-Burns

Information Lyrics
The words were written by John Gay and were written no later than 1723. The lyrics were very popular and appeared in several ballad operas of the time. The words were set to various scores by different composers, including Carey, Leveridge, Haydon and Sandonis. This was the most popular of those tunes. It was written by Richard Leveridge (1670-1758).

Richard Leveridge is known primarily for his bass singing. He appeared in the English theatre for over thirty years. At the age of sixty his voice was still strong enough (as was his pride) that he issued a challenge to any bass singers for a prize of one hundred guineas. In 1699 he composed the music for The Island Princess, or the Generous Portuguese and in 1716 he composed the music for Pyramus and Thisbe (which was based on A Midsummer Night's Dream). In 1726 he opened a coffee house in Covent Garden. In 1727 he published two volumes of songs. In his last years he was supported by a subscription raised by his friends. Leveridge also wrote The Roast Beef of Old England.

All in the dawn the fleet was moor'd,
The streamers waving to the wind,
When Black-eyed Susan came on board,
Oh where shall I my true love find?
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,
If my sweet William, if my sweet William
Sails among your crew?

Oh William, who high upon the yard,
Rocked with the billows to and fro,
Soon as her well-known voice he heard,
He sigh'd and cast his eyes below:
The cord slides swiftly thro' his glowing hands
And as quick as lightning, and as quick as lightning
On the deck he stands.

So sweet the lark, high poised in air,
Shuts close his pinions to his breast,
If, chance, his mate's shrill voice he hear,
And drops at once into her nest:
The noblest captain in the British fleet
Might envy William, might envy William's
Lip those kisses sweet.

'Oh Susan, Susan, lovely dear!
My vows shall ever true remain,
Let me kiss off that falling tear,
We only part to meet again:
Change as ye list, ye winds, my heart shall be
The faithful compass, the faithful compass
That still points to thee.

'Oh, believe not what the landsmen say
Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind,
They'll tell thee sailors when away,
In every port a mistress find:
Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,
For thou art present, for thou art present
Wheresoe'er I go.

If to fair India's coast we sail,
Thy eyes are seen in diamonds bright:
Thy breath is Afric's spicy gale,
Thy skin as ivory so white:
Thus every beauteous object that I view
Wakes in my soul, wakes in my soul
Some charm of lovely Sue.'

Though battle call me from thy arms
Let not my pretty Susan mourn:
Though cannon roar, yet safe from harms
William shall to his dear return:
Love turns aside the balls that round me fly
Lest precious tears, lest precious tears
Should drop from Susan's eye.

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,
Her sails their swelling bosom spread:
No longer can she stay on board -
They kissed, she sighed, he hung his head:
Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land,
'Adieu,' she cries, 'Adieu,' she cries
And waved her lily hand.

Subject: Lyr Add: PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL
From: JWB
Date: 06 May 04 - 05:47 PM

Guest,

Here's a song that was first published around 1810. I included it on my O'Brian companion CD Roast Beef of Old England.

PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL

It was pleasant and delightful one midsummer's morn,
When the fields and the meadows were all covered in corn,
And the blackbirds and thrushes sang on every green spray,
And the larks they sang melodious at the dawning of the day.
And the larks they sang melodious
And the larks they sang melodious
And the larks they sang melodious at the dawning of the day

A sailor and his true love were a'walking that day.
Said the sailor to his truelove, "I am bound far away
I am bound for the East Indies where the load cannons roar
I must go and leave my Nancy, she's the girl that I adore."
(as above)

Then the ring from off her finger she instantly drew
Saying, "Take this my dearest William and my heart will go too."
And whilst they stood embracing tears from her eyes fell,
Saying, "May I go along with you?" "Oh, no, my love, farewell."

"So it's fare thee well my Nancy, I can no longer stay,
For the topsail is hoisted and the anchor aweigh,
And the ship lies awaiting for the next flowing tide;
And if ever I return again, I will make you my bride."

I'm not a tech-savvy guy, so can't do midis and such. This is a pretty well-known song in folk circles, so I'll bet you can get a listen to the tune without much ado.

What's your event? Will you be serving spotted dog, by any chance?

Jerry

Subject: Lyr Add: IF I WAS A BLACKBIRD
From: Seaking
Date: 06 May 04 - 05:57 PM

I think this was written by Andy M Stewart of Silly Wizard Fame but I'm happy to be corrected....

This has a twist where the young sailor lad goes to sea, misses the girl, comes home etc. then his true love sails away leaving him the one to be left behind...


IF I WAS A BLACKBIRD.


I am a young sailor, my story is sad
Though once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie by night and by day
Ah but now she has left me and sailed far away

Chorus
If I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
And in the top rigging I'd there build my nest
and I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily white breast

If I was a scholar and could handle the pen
One secret love letter to my true love I'd send
And I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Since she's gone and left me in yon foreign land

I sailed o'er the ocean my fortune to seek
Though I missed her caress and her kiss on my cheek
I returned and I told her my love was still warm
But she turned away lightly and great was her scorn

I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair
And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair
I offered to marry and to stay by her side
But she says in the morning she sails with the tide

My parents they chide me and will not agree
Saying me and my false love never married should be
Ah but let them deprive me, let them do as they will
While there's breath on my body she's the one that I love still

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 06 May 04 - 06:22 PM

Good heavens, he didn't write that. It's older than his grandfather. He may have grafted the 3rd verse onto it, though, in order to change the meaning of the song for some reason of his own.

Most of the songs people are posting are already here. Do have a quick look around to check first; it saves confusion later.

Subject: Lyr Add: A SEAFARER'S LAMENT
From: Amergin
Date: 06 May 04 - 07:00 PM

A SEAFARER'S LAMENT
(Tune: Connemara Cradle Song)

I stand on the deck, looking over the sea
Remembering her form a-waving to me
I hear her voice calling, "Come back to me"
Floating on the wind coming over the sea

Chorus:
Hear the wind blow, dear,
Hear the wind blow
Lean you head over
And hear the wind blow

The stars are bright as they dance in the sky,
The sky is lightening as morning draws nigh
Blow the wind gently and calm be the sea
Do you see the same stars, the same stars as me?

Chorus:
The night is over and my watch is now done
I stand to the east, dear, and I greet the sun
I lie in my bunk, love, dreaming of you
As you sit waiting, far across the blue

Chorus:
The day will come, when we stand on the shore
And I will go sailing, a-sailing no more
I will hold you tightly, your cheeks shining bright
And sleep in your arms, dear, serenely at night,

©Nathan Tompkins

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Les from Hull
Date: 06 May 04 - 07:12 PM

'Spanish Ladies' I believe is mentioned in the books. I'm sure it's here. Of course, he's in love with lots of ladies.

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: LindsayInWales
Date: 06 May 04 - 07:26 PM

A second world war song, which I love:

There are two eyes, such blue eyes, a-smiling at me
But they're lonely, as only a woman's may be
For I see all her thoughts are somewhere
Somewhere in France with you

When she's thinking, she's thinking, of no-one but you
Yes she's proud, oh so proud, of the things you will do
I can see all her love is somewhere
Somewhere in France with you

And when your letters come
They bring a smile, a tear,
Each one a sweet souvenir -

Only one of a million who'll never complain
For she knows that the sunshine will follow the rain
All the love in her heart will always be
Somewhere in France with you -
Somewhere in France with you!

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: LindsayInWales
Date: 06 May 04 - 07:30 PM

what about Fiddlers Greea, probably one of the greatest sea-songs (well it is for me, especially as I am reminded of Grimsby long ago)
or

"I'll Go And List For A Sailor" ( I think it's on "Morris On")

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 06 May 04 - 07:36 PM

I gather that the Aubrey-Maturin series is based in the Napoleonic period. Probably anything much later than that wouldn't fit the bill; perhaps our guest could be a little more specific?

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: GUEST,Keith A o Hertford
Date: 07 May 04 - 06:56 AM

Lowlands is a rare sentimental shanty.
Grey Funnel Line a modern song of a lovelorn sailor.
Holy Ground is relevant, but very close to Farewell sweet Lovely Nancy.
Johnny Todd is another.
Dark Eyed Sailor. etc.

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 May 04 - 07:35 AM

"Sailor home from the Sea" - a poem by Australian Dorothy Hewitt, set to music by Martyn Wyndham-Read has to be one of the most evocative of love songs with a seafaring connection.

Cyril Tawney wrote quite a few naval love songs, beside "Grey Funnel Line" there's "Sally Free and Easy", "The Oggie Man", "Suit of Grey" etc.

Ian Wood's "One more pull" is also a cracker of a song.

Subject: Lyr Add: HAUL AWA'^^^
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 May 04 - 12:01 PM

HAUL AWA'

Love is kind to the least of men
Haul awa' Haul awa'
Though he be but a drunken tar
Haul awa'

Once I had a star eyed maid
I was content with her to lay

In the comfort of her bed
Let me lay until I'm dead

Take my body to the shore
Star eyed maid, I'll sail no more

Here's my story, let it be
May you love as she loved me

Love is kind to the least of men
Though he be but a drunken tar.^^^

Subject: Lyr Add: LOVELY ON THE WATER
From: Crane Driver
Date: 07 May 04 - 02:04 PM

LOVELY ON THE WATER.

There are a couple of old threads (2001-ish) with versions of the words, but I don't know how to do blickies to them. My version is essentially from A L Lloyd's 'Folk Songs in England' book, modified by Tony Rose's version on 'Bare Bones' and strained through my own 'creative process':

As I roved out one morning,
In the springtime of the year,
I overheard a sailor,
Likewise a lady fair.

And they sang a song together,
Made the valley for to ring,
And the birds above, in the meadows gay,
Proclaimed a lovely spring.

Said the sailor to his true love,
"We soon must sail away,
For it's lovely on the water,
All to hear the music play."

And said William unto Nancy,
"I soon must sail away,
But if I had my will, my love,
It's along with you I'd stay."

But our Queen she do want sailors,
So we must leave the shore,
And we must face our foes, my love,
Where the cannons loud do roar.

And Tower Hill is crowded,
With women weeping sore,
For husbands, sons and sweethearts,
Gone to face the cannons' roar.

So come change your ring with me, love,
That we might meet once more,
May heaven above protect my love,
While the cannons loud do roar.

And said the sailor to his true love,
"I now must sail away,
But it's lovely on the water,
For to hear the music play."

Andrew

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Snuffy
Date: 08 May 04 - 07:53 AM

What about Tom Lewis' SAFE HARBOUR (FOR A STORM-TOSSED HEART)?

Subject: Lyr Add: FISHERMAN'S FAREWELL
From: GUEST
Date: 08 May 04 - 09:06 AM

"FISHERMAN'S FAREWELL"

I'm Sailing today love
For the north fishing grounds
And while I'm away love
Keep the home fires sound
As we lay here together
And our hearts are entwined
Think of me tomorrow
Let me stay on your mind


The children are sleeping love
Lying warm in their beds
I'll stop and I'll bless them
Kiss their curly heads
These moments of parting
To a fisherman like me
Makes me often wonder
Why I e're put to sea

For the sky it is blue love and so is the sea
And the birds on their wing love seem lonely like me
Ah but soon I'll be with you in a few days or so
And to these rough icy waters no more will I go


Now your arms are around me love
For ome more embrace
I gently caress you
I kiss your sweet face
Although I must go now
Take my leave of the shore
Meet me at the dockside
When I sail home once more

Jim Pittman (Starb'ard Side)

Subject: Lyr Add: ANNIE'S PROMISE
From: GUEST
Date: 08 May 04 - 09:16 AM

"ANNIE'S PROMISE"

Here's a song of Anne Cleary and William O'Neil
A song of the ocean of the power it yields
A song of young lovers of love lost to the sea
A song of the promise young Annie beleived.

Now young Annie Cleary lived down on the strand
And many a sailor had asked for her hand
But Annie's mother denied them saying Annie please see
The love of a sailor is his love of the sea.

Young William O'Neil was a sailor by trade
And one fine morning to the strand he came
And he met Annie Cleary as she strolled on the pier
He knew he must have her so he promised her there.

Chours
If you'll mary me Annie if you'll be my bride
If you'll mary me Annie I'll stay by your side
I promise I'll love you I'll stay on the strand
I promise you Annie if you'll give me your hand.

If I married you William if I gave you my hand
If I married you William denying mother's command
Would you swear to me William this promise you'll keep
That I'll never lose you to that briny sea.

And so a wedding oh a wedding so grand
And so a wedding denying mother's command
As the mother cries Annie I pray the cruel cruel sea
Won't take your William like your Father from me.

When a year had past since Annie's promise was made
Half as long since William has been lost to the trade
And the mother holds Annie as young Annie she weeps
For her broken promise her love lost to the sea.

Chours

Young Annie O'Neil lives down on the strand
She has a young daughter she takes by the hand
Annie shows her the ocean warns of the power it holds
She warns her of sailors and of their promises bold

Jim Hanlon SOCAN/90

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 May 04 - 10:08 AM

Message to Original Guest:

There are a lot of nice songs being offered here, few of which are appropriate to the Napoleonic War Period that you probably are concerned with. I suggest you post some additional guidelines, or at least acknowledge what your favorites are.

I would be happy to post some of the Charles Dibdin (1745-1831) songs which are from that period if you are involved in a serious project. However, at least provide a name by which I can address you.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: GUEST
Date: 08 May 04 - 12:40 PM

AHHHH!! The man of The Roast Beef of Old England CD. That was me freaking out. Yes, the food is a big part of it, but I needed a song as well. I have that Cd incidentally, and am using that song, as well as Sweet Lovely Nancy.

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: GUEST
Date: 08 May 04 - 12:42 PM

Thanks so much to everyone who helped, I couldn't find the tune to some, but thanks so much!! You are all life-savers. I am very sorry for not being specific enough, but you all have my heartfelt thanks.

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 12 - 08:56 AM

SPAM

Subject: RE: Need a seafaring love song
From: stallion
Date: 26 Jun 12 - 09:01 AM

definitely spam