THE GIRLS OF VALPARAISO

Our good ship's name's the Hero, the Hero of renown.
We're lying now in Plymouth, that far-famed lovely town.
We're waiting here for orders to carry us far from home.
It's first to Valparaiso and all around Cape Horn.

With skysails set and staysails, to-gallant sails also.
In our white pants and jackets we cut a gallant show.
From ship to ship they saluted us as we did sail along,
All wishing us good weather at the rounding of the Horn.

And now we are around Cape Horn where there's pleasure night and day.
And the first place we cast anchor was Valparaiso Bay,
Where the Spanish girls came flocking down. I vow and do declare
They far exceed the English girls with their dark heads of hair.

They're like the Irish sailor when he goes on a spree.
For if they had one shilling, the half they'd share with thee.
They are not like those Glasgow girls, they won't on you impose.
For when the money is all done they will not pawn your clothes.

Here's a health to Valparaiso, we drink it with a smile
And to all around the borders of that fair Pacific isle.
And when our ship it does come home, I'll sit and sing my song.
Here's a health to Valparaiso and the girls around Cape Horn.

Source: Sam Henry's "Songs of the People." Recording: Dan Milner & Louis Killen, "Irish Ballads & Songs of the Sea," Folk-Legacy CD-124.