One of the songs I most love to sing. I got the words from Michael O'Leary-Johns after he sang it at a house concert in Washington DC. - one of very few songs I didn't learn from a record! I'm sure we've both put our individual "interpretations" on it. I deeply regret never having had a chance to meet Rod Shearman.

London River - Rod Shearman

The first time I laid eyes upon her
I'll tell you the truth upon my honour:
Sights and sounds to set your heart a-quiver,
I found them there on the London River.

cho.:

London River, oh the London River,
All the love I've got I give her.
London River, oh the London River,
Well, that's the river for me!

First I sailed on a flat bottomed collier;
The crew was fine and they couldn't 'a' been jollier.
Headed north, we were doin' fine,
Bringin' back coal from the River Tyne.

(cho.)

Next on the mail run to Australia,
Learnin' to walk and talk like a sailor,
Made a pass at every Sheila,
Got a poke in the chops and a twisted feeler.

(cho.)

Next I sailed on the Regent's Leopard,
Tugs alongside to shunt and shepherd,
South to the Indies where the rum is brewed -
Got meself a tot and got me kidneys stewed.

(cho.)

Then I signed on a cold store freighter;
Sailed back to London six months later,
Loaded down with goods in store:
Lamb and butter from New Zealand's shore.

(cho.)

Next I sailed on a British tanker,
She was a fine ship, she was a spanker!
South to the Gulf where your brains might boil,
Then back to England with a load of oil.

(cho.)

Then I sailed on the old Horse Over (?)
Some of them stewards would bowl you over!
Lipstick and powder and all that muck,
Hands on their hips as they call you "Duck".

(cho.)

Well, I've seen many's the beautiful waterway;
Sights and sounds to take your breath away,
But all of them just fade and wither
When I think of the London River.

(cho.)

Enjoy!
George Stephens

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Line breaks -
- added. --JoeClone