Over the past few years or so, I've noted the comments regarding this song. In the late 1950's I collected a version which is slightly different from the ones mentioned, and for what it's worth 'ere 'tis.

ON THE MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL
When I was young and charmin' and as hansome as can be,
I said goodbye to the mother-in-law, and away I went to sea, brave boys,
On the Manchester Ship Canal.

Chorus:
There was muddy water everywhere, and rum you'll never see,
And I scarcely think we'll ever get a little drink,
'Till we get to Wallasey, brave boys,
On the Manchester Ship Canal.

I shipped on board a fine ship, lads, the dredger Dodgey Sam,
And we soon set sail by Walton Jail, on the way to Birmingham, brave boys,
On the Manchester Ship Canal.

The captain was a chancer, lads, he'd never sailed before.
And he couldn't even tell a belayin-pin from the knob on the shithouse door, brave lads,
On the Manchester Ship Canal.

All day he slept on the Quarter-Deck, all night he slept below,
And he paid his crew a lousy screw, we were glad to see him go, brave boys.
On the Manchester Ship Canal.

Now the quality of the Mersey, boys, it isn't strained at all.
For its full of rats, and old dead cats, and it tastes like parafin oil, brave boys.
The Manchester Ship Canal.
END.

Sorry I can't write music so I can't do the tune for you.