and "brim" should be "brine" in verse 3.

Buried hens are pregnant lobsters which should not be taken for obvious reasons. Two for the price of one if only they could wait, which to me sums up the whole tragedy the song is putting across.

(And "Teeside" should be Teesside). :o)

In the 60s and 70s Staithes became "desirable" for the estate agents as a colony of artists settled there, but even they seem to have gone. Staithes is now looking very sad, with lots of boarded up places and lots for sale. Unfortunately not much like in Kevin's link.

cheers, Terry