Does anyone have any thoughts on the meaning of this work song from black firemen (though, possibly a chantey also?)in light of the meaning of a yellow gal:

Heave away, heave away!
I'd rather court a yellow gal than work for Henry Clay.
Heave away, heave away!
yellow gal, I want to go,
I'd rather court a yellow gal than work for Henry Clay.
Heave away!

Thanks