On the David Parry tape (with Friends of Fiddler's Green), David Parry sang some Civil War verses:
Well I shipped on board of the Robert E. Lee, boys,
Way, hey, bully in the alley
Made a lot of money, spent it fast and free, boys,
Bully down in Shinbone Al'.
Chorus
We got British ammunition and French champagne, oh
Way, hey, bully in the alley
When I get to Charleston, gonna feel no pain, oh
Bully down in Shinbone Al'.
Chorus
It's one of those classics that a skillful shanty singer could make go on as long as needed.
Bat GoddessWell I shipped on board of a Charleston liner Way, hey, bully in the alley Carolina's fine, but St. George is finer. Bully down in Shinbone Al'. Chorus