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A MINEHEAD LAD - (WW1 panel: 6)

When I was a lad I worked with me dad
Down on the Minehead Quay
We’d shoot a line at the herring time
For fishing was our game
And me mates and I would look and sigh
At the posh folk on a spree
We’d watch them -
Taking a trip on a Campbell steamer
Out on the Severn Sea

All the ladies with the feathered hats,
Twirling their parasols
And the gents in their suits with their polished boots
Would promenade round the town
At the Beach Hotel if you looked right well
The better-most you could see
And they’d be –
Taking a trip on a Campbell steamer
Out on the Severn Sea

Now fishing times got very bad,
And herring none at all.
And three in hand doesn’t make a cran
And your boat is in the yard
So came the day when I did say
The fishing’s not for me
So I’ll be -
Taking a trip on a Campbell steamer
Out on the Severn Sea

I signed on board of a paddle steamer
Down from Bristol Town
Bottom of the crew for a year or two
Until I made the grade
But the Germans came and spoiled our game
White Funnels turned to grey
Still I’ll be -
Taking a trip on a Campbell steamer
Out on the Severn Sea

We cruised the coast of Old England
Minesweeping was our trade
From sound to sound we paddled round
To keep the seaways clear
When the war was done it’s home I’ve come
To the place where I would be
So no more -
Taking a trip on a Campbell steamer
Out on the Severn Sea


Words: Tom Brown. Tune: Barbara Brown
Written for panel 6 (WW1) of the Minehead Harbour Project 2014
Recorded on CD Just Another Day - Wild Goose Records WGS406CD