The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #27192 Message #763670
Posted By: Jim Dixon
12-Aug-02 - 01:14 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Betsy Baker
Subject: Lyr Add: CHEERILY MAN
Here's a sea chantey that mentions Betsy Baker -- and rhymes her with "Quaker." Coincidence? Lyrics copied from http://www.acronet.net/~robokopp/shanty/cheerily.htm
I have put the refrain in italics.
CHEERILY MAN
O Nancy Dawson, Hio! Cheer'ly man.
She's got a notion, Hio-o! Cheer'ly man.
For our old bo'sun, Hio! Cheer'ly man, O!
Hauley, Hio-o! Cheer'ly man.
O Betsy Baker, Hio! Cheer'ly man.
Lived in Long Acre, Hio-o! Cheer'ly man.
Married a Quaker, Hio! Cheer'ly man, O!
Hauley, Hio-o! Cheer'ly man.
[Similarly:]
O Sally Rackett, Hio!
Pawned my best jacket, Hio-o!
And kept the ticket, Hio!
O the ladies of town, Hio!
All soft as down, Hio-o!
In their best gown, Hio!
O Polly Hawkins, Hio!
With her white stocking, Hio-o!
Beats all at talking, Hio!
O Kitty Carson, Hio!
Jilted the parson, Hio-o!
Married a mason, Hio!
O haughty cocks, Hio!
O split the blocks, Hio-o!
O stretch her luff, Hio!