The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #138169   Message #3165928
Posted By: Tug the Cox
06-Jun-11 - 09:27 AM
Thread Name: John Masefield-Songs from Poems (PermaThread)
Subject: RE: John Masefield-Songs from Poems (PermaThread)
"The Emigrant" goes well to the tune of 'Sally Gardens':

The Emigrant

Going by Daly's shanty I heard the boys within
Dancing the Spanish hornpipe to Driscoll's violin,
I heard the sea-boots shaking the rough planks of the floor,
But I was going westward, I hadn't heart for more.

All down the windy village the noise rang in my ears,
Old sea boots stamping, shuffling, it brought the bitter tears.
The old tune piped and quavered, the lilts came clear and strong,
But I was going westward, I couldn't join the song.

There were the grey stone houses, the night wind blowing keen,
The hill-sides pale with moonlight, the young corn springing green,
The hearth nooks lit and kindly, with dear friends good to see.
But I was going westward, and the ship waited me.

Notes:

From The Poems & Plays of John Masefield, Vol. 1, by John Masefield, The MacMillan Co., London, UK, © 1918, p. 87.