It appears as though I have been declared illegitimate, but after resetting my cookie I have now regained my identity, so, without further ado, here is

A HUNDRED YEARS AGO

Oh, a hundred years on the eastern shore
Oh, hi-o,
A hundred years on the eastern shore
A hundred years ago

They used to think that pigs could fly
Can you believe this stupid lie?

They thought the stars were set alight
By some kind angels every night

They thought the world was flat and square
That old Columbus, he never got there

They thought the moon was made of cheese
You can believe it if you please

They hung a man for making steam
Throwed his body out into the stream

They thought that mermaids was no yarn
But we know better, 'cos we can larn (learn)

A long, long time, and a very long time
Oh, hi-o
'Tis a hell of time since I fust made this rhyme
Oh, a hundred years ago

Verses interchangeable with Long Time Ago. And Stormy. And any other damn thing you feel like! Loads of made up verses can be added to these and other shanties, and verses from other shanties added, as the shantyman wasn't a folk song purist, he just chanted away until the job was done. All of which makes endless fun for collectors of "sea songs" and a nightmare for aforementioned folk purists. Good, ain't it?