The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #48959   Message #738362
Posted By: Joe Offer
27-Jun-02 - 02:07 PM
Thread Name: South Australia:What the hell's a 'Rolling King'?
Subject: Sea shanty question: rolling king? - S. Australia
There was a previous thread on the same topic that provided worthwhile information. I think I'll post that entire thread here and delete the original to avoid duplication.
-Joe Offer-

25-Aug-98 - 05:43 PM (#35961)
Subject: Sea shanty question: rolling king?
From: Jon W.

I just got the CD Blow Boys Blow by MacColl & Lloyd. My question is on the song "South Australia". The phrase
Heave away, you rolling king,
Heave away! Haul away!

appears in the chorus. What significance, if any, has the phrase "rolling king?" Is it a piece of equipment on ship, the ship itself, the ocean, or what?

Full lyrics to the song are in the DT.

Thanks, Jon W.

25-Aug-98 - 07:43 PM (#35970)
Subject: RE: Sea shanty question: rolling king?
From: Dave lever

Rolling King would be a term to describe a sailors ship as the "Rolling King" meaning she rolled the most in bad weather. Generally accepted as an affectionate term for his ships motion in the weather.