This "Lifeboat" song seems unrelated to one collected by Mary Wheeler of Paducah, KY, in the 1930s. This is what she took down:

As sung by Mose on the steamboat Robert E. Lee just before starting out
Collected by Mary Wheeler of Paducah, KY, in the 1930s.

Let Me in the Lifeboat


Come, brother sailor, and don't fall asleep,
Pray both night and day, or you'll sink in the deep;
Hope is the anchor, this you must keep,
If you want to sit with Jesus in the life boat.


Chorus:

Let me in the life boat, let me in the life boat,
She will bear my spirit home;
Let me in the life boat, let me in the life boat,
She will bear my spirit home.

Some at the hellum. Some down below,
Ship is a-dashin' and her decks overflow;
Mothers and fathers cryin' so loud,
"Oh, Jesus, will you take me in the life boat?" (CHO)

Does this song resonate with anyone? I'm sure there is a longer gospel version out there somewhere.

Charlie Ipcar