THE FISHERMEN OF ENGLAND
From the opera "The Rebel Maid"
Words by Gerald Dodson, music by Montague F. Phillips, ©1941.
As sung by Peter Dawson

Around the shores of England, that stretch toward the sea,
There dwell an ancient people, and they labour mightily.
In havens unfrequented that the busy life forgets,
The fishermen of England are working at their nets.

In tiny vessels they defy the perils of the deep
And scan the waters' dreary waste with eyes that never sleep,
And when at night you safely lie in blankets snug and warm,
The fishermen of England are riding out the storm.

And when the foes of England set sail in fury blind,
The children of the storm arise and leave their nets behind.
With merry oath and laughter, and a smile upon their lips,
The fishermen of England, the fishermen of England
Go down, go down, to the sea in ships.