The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #72360   Message #1245028
Posted By: John MacKenzie
11-Aug-04 - 03:41 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Go to Sea No More (from Paddy Walsh)
Subject: Lyr Add: OFF TO SEA ONCE MORE (from MacColl/Seeger
This is in The Singing Island a compilation of songs by Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger. It is listed under the name 'Off to Sea once More'

When first I landed in Liverpool I went upon the spree
My money at last I spent it fast got drunk as drunk can be
And when my money it was all gone it was then I wanted more
But a man must be blind to make up his mind to go to sea once more.

I spent that night with Angeline too drunk to roll in bed
My watch was new and me money too in the morning with them she'd fled
And as I roamed the streets about the whores they all did roar
Here comes Jack Spratt the poor sailor lad he must go to sea once more

As I was walking down the street I met with Rapper Brown
I asked for to take me in and he looked at me with a frown
He said last time you was paid off with me you chalked no score
But I'll give you a chance and I'll take your advance and send you to sea once more.

He shippped me on board of a whaling ship bound for the Arctic seas
Where cold winds blow through the frost and snow and Jamaica rum would freeze
And worse to bear I'd no hard weather gear for I'd spent all my money ashore
It was then that I wished that I was dead so I'd go to sea no more

Sometimes we were catching whales me boys and sometimes we were catching none
With a twenty foot oar stuck in our hands from four o'clock in the morn
And when the shades of night came on we rest on our weary oar
It was then that I wished that I were dead or safe with the girls ashore

Come all ye bold seafaring men that listen to my song
When you come off them long trips I'd have you not go wrong
Take my advice drink no strong drink don't go sleeping with no whores
But get married lads and have all night in and go to sea no more.

It is listed as contributed by A L Lloyd ref Doerflinger p107

Giok