I was reading "Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill and he makes several references to having to "camouflage" the lyrics of some shanties because the original was too ribald. I can understand the desire to not offend but, what about historical accuracy?


On "Blow Boys Blow" by Lloyd & McColl a line is sung in the song Blow Boys Blow "Come and get yer oats me son" Hugill says he disguised it and gives it a "Johnny get your oat cake done", I wonder if it was not "Johnny get your a%*hole done" as the line before it is "You long tall black man come round behind me."

I wonder where one can find less edited versions of such songs?
Or is this a sleeping dog best left to lie?

Nick