164 - Knock A Man Down - Capstan Shanties


This is one of the earliest versions of the shanty sang at the capstan or at the pump "Blow The Man Down", this version comes from Cecil Sharp's "English Folk-Chanteys" (1914). Stan Hugill mentioned is this song was probably hoosier version.
"Hoosier" refers to the cotton-stowers, both black and white, who move cotton bales from docks to the holds of ships, forcing the bales in tightly by means of jackscrews. A low-status job, it nevertheless is referred to in various sea shanty lyrics. "Shanties from the Seven Seas" includes lyrics that mention hoosiers.
Cecil Sharp in his book says:
"I have supplemented Mr. Short's words - he could only remember two stanzas - with lines from other versions.
I would also like to thank Artur Pietrzykowski for the wonderful illustration that you can find at the beginning of the record.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 200).


Knock A Man Down


   - Knock a man down, kick a man down;
   - way ay knock a man down,
   - Knock a man down right down to the ground,
   - O give me some time to knock a man down.

The watchman's dog stood ten foot high;
   - way ay knock a man down,
The watchman's dog stood ten foot high;
   - O give me some time to knock a man down.

                      *2*
A livery ship and a lively crew.
A livery ship and a lively crew.

                      *3*
O we are the boys to put her through
O we are the boys to put her through

                      *4*
I wish I was in London Town.
I wish I was in London Town.

                      *5*
It's there we'd make the girls fly round.
It's there we'd make the girls fly round.