BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea

Subject: SS Kendall Mudcat Sail-Tavern
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 06 Mar 02 - 03:34 PM

Ah, there is nothing quite like starting a sailing trip! You cast off the mooring lines and motor into the chop of the harbor, bow pointed toward the open sea. But it is that moment when you shut off the motor, raise the sails in the following silence, and suddenly feel the ship harness the breeze, creaking and heeling as you crank the winch taut. Now the ship takes on its own poetry of motion, rising and falling on waves, some bow spray scattering in beads across the oiled teak of the deck and making the brass brightwork gleam.

We are aboard a two-masted schooner, and because she is nearly 100 feet at the water line, her motions are gently rolling in the sea and our footing is easy. Groups of Mudcatters gather at bow or stern, instruments in hand, while some sit near the cabin where the Tavern has been set up. I'm happy to take the wheel as we start the journey. Now, if someone would bring me a cold beer and help me chart the course.

And, as I now have my beer, let me raise a toast to Kendall Morse, our Captain, and say that I'm in fond hope that he will grace us with story and song!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 06 Mar 02 - 10:56 PM

It's the coldest one I could find, Quartermaster, and may it be drunk in health. Capting Morse says you may have as many as you wish, but if you let her luff more''n a point you're on salt water.

I'll raise my can to your toast, and let it be Kendall Morse's story leads us through, come hell, high water, or a Newfie fog bank!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: artbrooks
Date: 06 Mar 02 - 11:04 PM

BEER!!! Uh-oh...urg...gulp...maybe later...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Bert
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 03:15 AM

O-OH What shall we do with the Mudcat Sailor?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 08:32 AM

Kepp him on the 'cat 'till he gets his voice back!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 08:54 AM

Look here, I know I'm one the smallest 'catters ( 5'1" but who's counting?) but I don't see why I have to be relegated to the crow's nest...there's no land for a hundred miles in any direction......can I come down now?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:08 AM

Morty, at least you have it all to yourself...I'm sharing the sail locker with 6 woman...

what the HECK am I complaining about?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:48 AM

someone chuck Mmario in some vitamins......I think he's going to need them.....and a sea-sickness cure for Art... I think he's finally empty......

Subject: ADD: Capstan Bars!
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 10:11 AM

well - here's a - uhm, guess it would be a "sea song" -

Capstan Bars!

English Lyrics: Simon Spalding
Music and (original polish)Lyrics:Adam Jaskierski, "Kabestan"

"Capstan bars!", the mate is callin',
Heave the anchor from the ground!
Let me hear the clank of the capstan pawlin',
Round the capstan, heave around!
Once around, twice around the capstan stampin',
Heave the anchor from the ground!
Endless circles 'round the foredeck trampin',
Round the capstan, heave around!

One shot o' chain, we've got five more left,
Heave the anchor from the ground!
"Anchor up and down!", now work up a sweat,
Round the capstan, heave around!
Hose off the mud from Davy Jones' locker,
Heave the anchor from the ground!
Bend 'em down below to the old chain locker,
Round the capstan, heave around!

Astern our cares will all pass away,
Heave the anchor from the ground!
For today is our sailing day,
Round the capstan, heave around!
Cat tackle, fish tackle, soon we'll be leavin',
Heave the anchor from the ground!
Soon as the mate calls out, "Avast Heavin'!"
Round the capstan, heave around!
Round the capstan, heave around!

music will be posted shortly

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 10:39 AM

N-CAPSTAN BARS!
C-Adam Jaskierski
A-(English) Simon Spalding
T-
S-120
K-D
B-4/4
F-
H-
M-4b-2 b-8 c-8 b-8 a-8 F-4 E-4 D-8 B-5 E-5 F-0 E-0 D-4 B-4 B-4 A-4 B-5 R-8
L-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
H-
M-4b-4 b-4 b-5 a-8 F-4 E-4 D-8 B-5 E-5 E-8 D-4 B-4 B-4 A-4 B-5 R-8
L-Cap-stan Bars! the mate is call-in', Heave the an-chor from the ground!
H-
M-4b-8 b-8 b-8 b-8 b-4 b-8 a-8 F-4 E-4 D-8 B-5 E-5 E-8 D-4 B-4 B-4 A-4 B-5 R-8
L-Let me hear the clank of the cap-stan paw-lin', round the cap-stan, heave a-round!
H-
M-4E-8 E-8 E-4 G-8 b-8 a-8 G-8 a-4 a-4 b-8 F-5 E-5 E-8 D-4 B-4 B-4 A-4 B-5 R-8
L-Once a-round, twice a-round the cap-stan stam-pin', Heave the an-chor from the ground!
H-
M-4E-4 E-4 G-8 b-8 a-8 G-8 a-4 a-4 b-8 F-5 E-5 E-8 D-4 B-4 B-4 A-4 B-5 R-8
L-End-less cir-cles 'round the fore-deck tram-pin', Round the cap-stan, heave a-round!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 11:37 AM

Keep a good look-out for any little cabin boys (female or otherwise) swimming around with an auger .......

Before anyone else says it - That could auger disaster !

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 12:06 PM

One full day into the trip, and I wake from my galloping bunk to see that the breeze has freshened, and bert is at the helm with a cup of strong black coffee. I'll have some of that myself, and some of the bacon and eggs I smell cooking. I sit on a cushion and watch the sun rise in the sky, watch the sea turn from purple to bright blue, watch a school of porpoise swing in from the South. They take time from their own journey to join ours briefly, alternating to swim in the foreward surge of the bow wave. We watch them dive, leap, spin like corkscrews, and we are as happy to have them as companions as they are to spend some time cavorting with us...

sailing on an ocean
Of syncopated motion
when evening comes we'll rest and thank the day

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 12:45 PM

SCUN THE WARTLOG!!!!!!!(Spike Milligan)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 01:48 PM

Then from over the lee rail come the dripping arms of a giant squid...Avast! Heave that squid a brew on the double!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 01:53 PM

Art's all done heaving - is it okay if we just toss the squid a sixpack?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:15 PM

That would be sure to keep six of Squiggly's arms busy. I'd be worried about the other four.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: gnu
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:18 PM

Da hice were height miles tick when we rounded da bight. Off ina distance, you could her er crack and grind, loike da jaws of a mistress gone mad. I summund all me strengt' man, but I knew I were no match. Wit da lads all in dorries until laden, I knew some were gone... but who... and why. No choices to be made, only enough to sound the warn, and hope.

Circle the bay ? How far ? If she blew, all might be lost. Hug tight and sove in... and prey. Then, as if by the grace of mighty

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dead Horse
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:31 PM

...mighty matey. Mighty what? Don't leave us hanging on to our bilges, brail in your shank stoppers and heave us a ho, (or should that be ho us a heave?) and finish yer dramatic prose, or I'll skibber me jibbet with baited breath.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: gnu
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:46 PM

I t'ought da course a dis sail was a concerted effort, no ? Dat all 'ands would join ina tellin ? Perhaps it's Posiden, perhaps anudder ? But shouln't it be anudder what brings er round to da wedder ?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:47 PM

I hope he's talking about another voyage, not this one. The brochure promised gentle tropical breezes on warm moonlit nights.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: gnu
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:50 PM

Ya pays yer money, ya takes yer chances, mate.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: gnu
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 02:59 PM

If it's not so, I should enjoy tellin a tale of da high seas as I have been near death more than once. Alas, the lads are a knockin and tis not for me to ignore. I am the man of the hour today and shant take their company lightly. I shall return to this voyage, albeit one tear (sic) older than I was this time last year.... aiiyuh !

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 03:06 PM

gnu - 'tis a tavern thread I do believe (Leej - correct me If I'm wrong) for general yak and chatter whilst in. I suspect you will find a jello pit belowdecks and don't be surprised if a few flamingos wander around.

Unlike the combined literary efforts story telling fiction writing threads - which sometimes start off in much the same manner.

Howsoever - tales are welcome - likewise lyrics, tunes, toasts, general fidgets and framblinations.

EIGHT freekin miles of ice? *shudder* doesn't even bear thinking of...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 03:07 PM

Whatever you do, don't give Guinness to a squid. This whole area of the ocean is teeming with them, and if they find out we've got Guinness, we'll never be rid of 'em.

Give Squiggly another Coors, quick!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 03:18 PM

Geoff the Duck (with a pack upon his back) emerges from a hatch in the foredeck. He swaggers across the deck with a large patch positioned over his left eye. He approaches the rail along the port side of the ship.
SPLASH !!!!
Morticia hollers from the crows nest ...Geoff! The patch over the left eye was stylish, but I don't think the patch over the right one was as good an idea!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 03:35 PM

Now where the hell is Roger the Skiffler with that beer re-supply skow? You suppose he really HAS retired?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Les from Hull
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 04:09 PM

It looks like that squid has had too much to drink anyway. Is it supposed to be that colour?

Oi Geoff, here's that sick squid I owe you!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 04:11 PM

ouch! That hurts, Les.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 04:48 PM

Les gets keel hauled for making bad puns offensive to squids, who are now up in arms from six to eight. Fortunately, the second dog watch has ended and they slink below, hoping for a dramatic contract to write their memoirs.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 05:10 PM

So, with the end of the second dog watch this story is curtailed?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 05:20 PM

Eight bells, and the larboard watch has been stolen, that'll teach 'em to wear a Rolex!

Haul away the dysoe, I'm off to Sammy's bar!

Alan

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Les from Hull
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 05:29 PM

Keel-hauled and I haven't even had a drink yet!I'll have a yo-yo and a bottle of rum! No sorry, belay that, I'll have a yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Woods 100, of course.

Sings - The gallant frigate Araldite, she stuck to Plymouth Sound...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 05:46 PM

The mate drew forth his compass rose,
And tapped it on the rail:
"Why, she heads to the E. S. W. by N.
In the teeth of a raging gale,
In the teeth of a raging gale."

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Chip2447
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 05:59 PM

The middle aged fat guy with the brindled beard lounges on fo'csl and and tries to sing a song...


Another Mermaid Song
(C) 1994 Chip Martin



Chorus-
A bonnie bonnie mermaid, she beckoned to me
from the waters of the deep blue sea.
Oh bonnie mermaid please let me be,
for I wish not to die in the deep blue sea.

Now, all of my life I have sailed the oceans,
a searching for fame and for my fortunes.
all my life I have sailed to sea
a looking, a searching, longin' to be free
(chorus)

From Plymouth on down past Gilbralter we did sail
until the winds at our back did falter and fail
Adrift on the water smooth as glass,
I'd rather be drunk with me arms round a lass.
(chorus)

We were twelve days away from aroundin' Cape Horn.
A pretty mermaid did sing one morn.
Some of me mates held fast and stood strong,
but some of me shipmates did drown in her song.
(chorus)

Oh bonnie, bonnie mermaid with a song as sweet
as the angels who sing from above
Mermaid you are too much fish to eat,
oh and you're not enough woman to love.
(chorus
)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: GUEST,Jack the Sailor
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 06:17 PM

Due to his great powers of navigation and imagination. JTS finds the Schooner. Actually he just follows the Giant Squids. Most of which have ten tentacles. He sets dow his twin otter on the warm tropical bay, which oddly enough, contains an iceberg. (the parrots are having a gay old time sliding around on the ice!)He then swims over to the Mary Ellen Mudcat and heads directly to the tavern for a couple of shots of rum.

"If ya wana get rid of the squids, play this cd imto the hydrophone."

Tosses the barkeep a disc entitled "Feeding calls of the Sperm whale." by Moby

"Long may your big jib draw" he intones as he departs.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: artbrooks
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 06:20 PM

Ahhh, much better. A Full Sail Ale for me, please. Wadda ya mean we're bound for Valipariso around Cape Horn? Didn't I sign up for the harbor cruise? Oh shit...urg...here we go again. Isn't it somebody else's turn to be sea sick? Where's the dramamine? Where's Spew...oops, I mean Spaw...when you need him...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: alison
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 06:28 PM

coooeeeeeeeeeee...... over here boys!!!!!!!!!!!

and there bobbing alongside was the most beautiful creature they had ever seen (but lets face it they've only seen a giant squid so far... so its not saying much).....

her long auburn ringlets covering.... (well I'll leave that to your imagination.....) when she saw Geoff the duck swiming blindly towards her she ducked underwater and with a splash of her tail she vanished......... only to reappear a few moments later on the other side of the boat.....

(I have to say I was a bit worried about LEJ's first post, "her motions are gently rolling in the sea "....... seems like a cue for 'spaw....)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: artbrooks
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 06:33 PM

Miraculous recovery!!! Over the side after that beautiful...tail.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Gareth
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 06:45 PM

Short fat and with a brindled beard - Who is impersonating me.

A major accident - No wonder that Sick Squid disapeared fast. My cans of Brains Skull Attack, towing behind in a net to keep cool, have disappeared. " Come on own up or I'll sing. "

A unison Chorus from survivors of Stoney Stratford, " No Gareth please don't sing !!!!"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: gnu
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 07:06 PM

....Posiden hisself did she rise. A veritable vision. Some say she comes from down under, a visitor to these cold waters of the North Atlantic, only murmmered about by sailors gone south and those gone south. A vision and a scourge. For if the crew, these many months at sea, were to bathe in her emination, all would be lost. The comfort of the safe leads lesser men to abort their duty.

Cry forth vision ! and reach those fishers that the faint warn does not reach. Aide us in our trouble. Bring these stout hearts to the shore once again. And tell not Big Mick, for he would be pissed and beat my shell upon the rocks. Ye gots a nice r*** for a mermaid !

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 08:25 PM

Chip - does that go to any known tune?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Chip2447
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:02 PM

MMario, since I can neither read nor write music, I just play something that fits...if you or any of the other catters want to give it a tune feel free...
I know how its supposed to sound to me but as far as telling you how its supposed to sound, ummmmm do the folk thing and make it up...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: lady penelope
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:26 PM

?????????????????????????????????????Yer nutters!!!!!!!!!!!

M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:38 PM

dang!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 10:37 PM

LEJ, having consumed some 7 pints of good beer, and finding the head occupied by a mermaid, totters to the port rail where he adds a small measure to the sea's mighty volume of water. He sings "there's some that's bound fer New York Town, there's others are bound fer France, Heave away me Johnnies..." and that's all of his chanty, for a sudden lurch of the ship has precipitated him into the ocean. He submerges briefly, then emerges somewhat baffled to see the SS Kendall sailing away without him. He begins to shout "Hey! Wait..." but due to the fact that has had the foresight to tie a life line around his waist, he is suddenly propelled forward through the water like a fishing lure. Between gulps of air, he attempts to communicate his plight to those aboard, but for reasons unknown, they are oblivious. "At least throw me a beer!!" he calls out to no avail, then to himself "damn! Squid-bait!"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Chip2447
Date: 07 Mar 02 - 11:41 PM

Alright youse ole salts, who are we gonna volunteer for mail buoy watch. avast ye polywogs I'll be needing some chow line to trice up the hammocks.
S'cuse me but I need to find some lard for me belly. We've got a line crossing coming up, and since I havent heard anyone of the trusty shellbacks chime in, I'll volunteer to become Neptunius Rex, that is if my belly aint too big.
Chip2447 Trusty Shellback since 1981.

P.S.
MMario, after some recent testing...the tune is sorta, kinda, almost like Bonnie George Campbell, but different. I know, that really helps doesnt it...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 02:53 AM

God spare me such a lollygag lot!!

Yo!! Idler,t here!! Heave that man back aboard and smartly, too!! Only bloody deckape aboard with any brains -- at least he tied himself on!!! LOL..

Heave away, haul away,
we ain't got loooong to saty here.....

That's the ticket. Say, Cookie, pop up with a shot o' brandy for the poor wet feller, wouldja??? And a spare blanker if you've got one!!

All right, Lonseome me lad, no more worries!! Just you get dry and we'll see you at the focs'le head, eh?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 08:16 AM

{Chip - it gives me a start - I can mangle manage from there I think. Thanks! }

Rumour hath it that whilst I can indeed carry a tune in a bucket - what gets poured out doesn't always resemble what went in!

Okay, who has this dragline overboard trolling for fish? Yeuch! Will you look at the garbage it's collected on the end? If we're not careful that could attract sharks, or even bring back the giant squid!

Anyone got a knife? We can just cut the line and get rid of all that sodden stuff on the end.

Subject: Add: the TRAWLING TRADE
From: MMario
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 12:40 PM

okay guys - heres another tune!

MIDI file: trawl.mid

Timebase: 192

Name: THE TRAWLING TRADE
Text: By John Conolly
Tempo: 100 (600000 microsec/crotchet)
Key: F
TimeSig: 6/8 24 8
Start
0000 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 62 110 0046 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 62 110 0046 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0160 0 64 000 0032 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 62 110 0046 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0046 0 62 000 0002 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0160 0 62 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0046 0 65 000 0002 1 67 110 0046 0 67 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0046 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0002 1 62 110 0160 0 62 000 0032 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0046 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0046 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0046 0 62 000 0002 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0720 0 62 000 0000 1 69 110 0046 0 69 000 0002 1 69 110 0096 0 69 000 0000 1 67 110 0046 0 67 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0142 0 64 000 0002 1 67 110 0046 0 67 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 69 110 0160 0 69 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0160 0 62 000 0032 1 57 110 0160 0 57 000 0032 1 60 110 0336 0 60 000 0048 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0048 0 65 000 0000 1 64 110 0046 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0000 1 62 110 0336 0 62 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:THE TRAWLING TRADE
M:6/8
Q:1/4=100
K:F
DD/2E/2FFEC|DD/2E/2FFE2|DD/2E/2FFEC|EE/2D/2_DED2|
FF/2G/2AAGE|D/2E/2FECD2|DEF/2F/2FEC|EE/2D/2_DED2|
-D6|A6|-A/2AG/2FAGF|E3/2G/2FEDF|A2FED2|A,2C4|
FF/2E/2DCD2|-D3/2||

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 12:46 PM

Got it memorized? okay - Let's sing!

THE TRAWLING TRADE
(John Conolly)

North to the Fae-roe Is-lands, South to the coast of Spain
West with the wha-ling fleet, and up to the Pole a-gain
O-ver the world of wa-ter, se-ven-teen seas we've strayed
Now to the North we're sai-ling, back to the traw-ling trade

Chorus:
Come ye bold sea-far-ing lads, there's for-tunes to be made
In the traw-ing trade. (In the traw-ling trade)

Back to the mid-night land-ings, back to the dish dock smell
Back to the fro-zen wind, as white as the teeth of Hell
Back to the stan-gest game, that e-ver a man has played
Fol-low the storm-y rol-lers, back to the traw-ling trade

Down with your nets and tac-kle, down with your nets and gear
Wait for the win-ches wind-ing, wait for the deck-ies' cheer
Up with the shin-ing har-vest, glit-ter-ing sil-ver sprayed
Down to the decks be-low to pay for the traw-ling trade

Home with a har-vest wind and back to the Hum-ber tide
Run to the wa-ter's edge and jump to the wa-ter-side
Roll with a roll-ing bunch of fish-er-men new-ly paid
Down to the dock-side pubs to drink to the traw-ling trade

North to the Fae-roe Is-lands, South to the coast of Spain
West with the wha-ling fleet, and up to the Pole a-gain
O-ver the world of wa-ter, se-ven-teen seas we've strayed
Now to the North we're sai-ling, back to the traw-ling trade

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 01:03 PM

Well, now that I've dried off, and Mario has kicked off the song circle, I'll take my guitar and offer another.

THE WHALE CATCHERS

On the twenty-third of March, my boys
We hoisted our topsail,

Crying, "Heav'n above protect us

With a sweet and a pleasant gale."

We never was down-hearted

Nor let our courage fail

But bore away up to Greenland

For to catch the Greenland whale,

For to catch the Greenland whale.

And when we came to Greenland

Where the bitter winds did blow,

We tacked about all in the north

Among the frost and snow.

Our finger-tops were frozen off,

And likewise our toe-nails,

As we crawled on the deck, my boys,

Looking out for the Greenland whale

Looking out for the Greenland whale.

And when we came to Davis Strait

Where the mountains flowed with snow,

We tacked about all in the north

Till we heard the whalefish blow.

And when we catch that whale, brave boys,

Homeward we will steer.

We'll make them valleys ring, my boys,

A-drinking of strong beer.

We'll make them lofty alehouses

In London town to roar;

And when our money is all gone,

To Greenland go for more,

To Greenland go for more.

Subject: Add: THE DREAM
From: MMario
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 01:25 PM

And for a change of pace:

THE DREAM
Austrian Folk

The mill-er's maid sat down to spin.
A-cross the flor the moon shone in;
And in the qui-et beam
she dreamed a won-drous dream

With-in that ring of mag-ic light
ap-peared a fair and no-ble knight;
In plume and dou-blet gay
He stood in fine ar-ray.

Now tell me, pray, what make you there?
I spin a gar-ment rich and rare;
A robe of pat-tern old,
all bright with pearls and gold

The win-ter eve passed cold and still
The moon had left the si-lent mill
The no-ble knight was gone;
Yet still the maid dreamed on.

MIDI file: dream.mid

Timebase: 192

Name: THE DREAM
Text: By Austrian Folk - translation Cowdrey
Copyright: BLENDING VOICES - The World of Music - 1936
Key: Eb
TimeSig: 6/8 24 8
Start
0480 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 75 110 0094 0 75 000 0002 1 70 110 0256 0 70 000 0032 1 67 110 0256 0 67 000 0032 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 68 110 0094 0 68 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 67 110 0256 0 67 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:THE DREAM
M:6/8
Q:1/4=120
K:Eb
G6|B2GB2G|A2cc2F|A2FA2F|G2BB2G|G2BB2e|B3G3|
B2AA2B|G21/8||

Subject: ADD: SEVEN FROGS
From: MMario
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 01:56 PM

ONE MORE!

SEVEN FROGS
Dutch Folk

Se-ven frogs were drows-ing with-in a shal-low pool;
They were near-ly froz-en, the day was ver-y cool.
Up spoke Fath-er Frog, Spring is on the way.
Can't you hear the night-in-gale re-hearse her fool-ish lay?

Soon the gen-tle spring-time came dan-cing down the hill;
All the frogs and peep-ers began to pipe and trill;
Croak-ing long and loud from the pools and bogs
I pre-fer a night-in-gale to half a mil-lion frogs!

Hears the melody:

MIDI file: 7_frogs.mid

Timebase: 192

Name: SEVEN FROGS
Text: By Dutch Folk -translation C.T. Curtis
Copyright: BLENDING VOICES - The wold of Music - 1936
Key: Ab
TimeSig: 6/8 24 8
Start
0000 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 75 110 0256 0 75 000 0032 1 75 110 0160 0 75 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 68 110 0256 0 68 000 0320 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 75 110 0256 0 75 000 0032 1 75 110 0160 0 75 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 68 110 0448 0 68 000 0128 1 72 110 0256 0 72 000 0032 1 72 110 0256 0 72 000 0032 1 73 110 0160 0 73 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 73 110 0256 0 73 000 0032 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 75 110 0448 0 75 000 0128 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 75 110 0160 0 75 000 0032 1 75 110 0094 0 75 000 0002 1 75 110 0160 0 75 000 0032 1 73 110 0094 0 73 000 0002 1 72 110 0160 0 72 000 0032 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 70 110 0160 0 70 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 68 110 0448 0 68 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:SEVEN FROGS
M:6/8
Q:1/4=120
K:Ab
A2Bc2d|e3e2d|c2cB2B|A6|A2Bc2d|e3e2d|c2cB2B|
A6|c3c3|d2dd3|B2BB2B|e6|A2Bc2d|e2ee2d|c2cB2B|
A37/8||

AND HERE'S the Harmony!

MIDI file: 7_frogs_harmony.mid

Timebase: 192

Name: SEVEN FROGS
Text: By Dutch Folk -translation C.T. Curtis
Copyright: BLENDING VOICES - The wold of Music - 1936
Key: Ab
TimeSig: 6/8 24 8
Start
0000 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 63 110 0094 0 63 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 72 110 0256 0 72 000 0032 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 63 110 0094 0 63 000 0002 1 61 110 0160 0 61 000 0032 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 60 110 0256 0 60 000 0320 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 63 110 0094 0 63 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 70 110 0094 0 70 000 0002 1 72 110 0256 0 72 000 0032 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 63 110 0094 0 63 000 0002 1 61 110 0160 0 61 000 0032 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 60 110 0448 0 60 000 0128 1 63 110 0256 0 63 000 0032 1 68 110 0256 0 68 000 0032 1 65 110 0160 0 65 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 65 110 0256 0 65 000 0032 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 60 110 0448 0 60 000 0128 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 63 110 0094 0 63 000 0002 1 68 110 0160 0 68 000 0032 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 63 110 0160 0 63 000 0032 1 63 110 0094 0 63 000 0002 1 61 110 0160 0 61 000 0032 1 61 110 0094 0 61 000 0002 1 60 110 0448 0 60 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:SEVEN FROGS
M:6/8
Q:1/4=120
K:Ab
A2EA2B|c3E2F|E2ED2D|C6|C2EA2B|c3E2F|E2ED2D|
C6|E3A3|F2FF3|G2FE2D|C6|C2EA2F|E2DC2D|E2ED2D|
C37/8||

Port watch takes the melody, starboard watch the harmony...ready?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 03:41 PM

Then up jumps a mermaid covered with muck,
We took 'er below and had a good time (sic),
Stormy weather, boys, stormy weather,
When the wind blows our barge will go.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 03:58 PM

Haul away lively, buckos!! We're rounding the point by noon to pick up Capting Morse on the Downer Eastern shores, somewhere East of Boothbay, I believe....

Were you ever down on the Eastern Shore,
It really is a treat, Oh!
Way, haul away, we'll haul away for Rosie
Way, haul away, we'll haul away for Rosie, Oh.
Where the Baltimore whores in their purple drawers
Come runnin' out to greet you.

Way, haul away, we'll haul away for Rosie
Way, haul away, we'll haul away for Rosie, Oh.

Oh, when I was a little boy
My mother often told me;
That If I didn't kiss the girls
My lips would all get mouldy.

I sailed the seas for seven years
Not knowin' what I was missin';
Then I trimmed my sails before the gales
And started in a-kissin'.

Well, first I had an Irish gal,
Her name was Kitty Brannigan;
She stole me boots, she stole me clothes
She pinched me plate and pannikin.

And then I got a German girl
And she was fat and lazy,
And then I got a New York girl
She damn near drove me crazy.

And then I got a Frenchie girl
She took things free and aisy;
But now I have an English girl
An' sure she is a daisy.

So harken while I sing to you
About my darlin' Nancy;
She's copper-bottomed, clipper-built
And just my cut and fancy.

Bring her up, bring her up a point -- steady there...now, ready her asbout, and hard-a-lee!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 04:10 PM

Ah prefair tae build model ships whit can be puit on the shelf. And why is that? Because the swell o' the salt sea dinna agree wi' my stomach. I wuid rather swallow eels and eel broth than venture forth upon the waves wi' the lot of ye.

However, if ye can supply me wi' a case o' gravol, Ah will consider the ma''er...that an' a case o' 20 year old Scotch whiskey. Make that 2 cases o' both.

Och aye! Noo where are the mairmaids?

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dead Horse
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 04:11 PM

MOBY DICK
Fact. In the 1956 film Moby Dick, the whale was made of plastic and rubber stretched over a steel frame and it was controlled electronically. Two additional whales were made as back-ups. The three whales were constructed at a cost of between $25,000 and $30,000 each. Two were lost in the sea when towlines broke and for years were seen bobbing about the high seas, mistaken for the real thing.
The Ode
Come all you gallant lads, and a tale to you I'll tell.
Of a queer thing as'appened off Cape Clear.
How we foundered in a gale, a-hunting of a whale
Tis 'orrible. 'Twill make you spill yer beer!

'Twas in the year of '56 when we said goodbye to land
And set off to hunt the Great White Whale
We was sailing full an' bye, heading for the Isle of Skye
By way of St James and old Kinsale

'Twas a fine and pleasant day, with the seagulls in the air
A-following us as all them seagulls do
When I thought I'd have some fun, so I took out my old gun
Just to see if I could bag me one or two.

Now I aint one o' them twitchers, and all birds look the same
So I pops away quite heedless, as yer do.
And I shot a brace of bigguns, Mother Carey's chickens
And a parrot, a rare Norwegian Blue.

Now when I got that parrot, the crew they gave a gasp
'Cos shooting of a parrot is a hex
They fished that parrot in, tried revivin' it with gin
But 'twere dead, so they hung it round me neck.

I felt like The Ancient Mariner with that thing upon me chest
But it certainly served to make me think
To shoot a Norwegian Blue is a rotten thing to do
And t'weren't long before it began to stink.

The crew they kept their distance, and nobody talked to me
And the wind increased into a fearful gale
Then the lookout in the crows, bellowed loudly "Thar she blows"
(Which means he thinks he sees a whale)

The Skipper ordered "Away all boats" and we began to row
And we was chasing after that old fish
We pulls her up 'longside, bungs a 'arpoon in his hide
Then he gives his tail a mighty swish.

I fell into the briny sea and thought I'd breathed me last
But I fetched up on that great levi-a-than
That old fishes blubber was all slippery, made of rubber
And on his back there stood another man

He offered me his hand and pulled me up to him
Saying "Welcome aboard, I'm out for a cruise"
"My name is Gregory Peck. What's that thing about your neck?"
"I believe it's one of them Norwegian Blues"

I said as how it was, an' told him my sad tale
But seeing the funny side, we had a laugh
Then he put me safe ashore, in a place they call Tramore
But before I left, I got his autograph.

That's the end of my little story that I relate to you
Of how I sailed upon a plastic levi-a-thon
Where is that old parrot? It wasn't worth a carrot
I gave it to the crew of the S.S. Monty Py-athon.

Tar-rahhhhhhh.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Gareth
Date: 08 Mar 02 - 06:45 PM

What land lubber put that &%"£*!* Galvanised Metal bucket next to the binacal. We're sailing in song cicles!

But as every good Yachty knows :-

TANQUERAY MARTINIS, OH
(Paul Campbell and Jim Houlihan)

We set out from Stamford town
With a fleet of stinkpots all around
When from up aloft a cry came down:
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!"
It's good for captain and for crew
It's the only drink you can look right through,
And there's really nothing else will do ---
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!"

cho: So haul the sheets back with one hand,
Set your drink down, if you can
And never sail out of sight of land.
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!"

At Greenwich harbor we put in
For we were getting short of gin
To continue on would have been a sin
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!"

Our skipper's lying on the floor
He was selected to go for more
But he broke his leg tryin' to get on shore.
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!" cho:

Nine parts of gin and one vermouth
It's the sailors friend, ain't that the truth
From Sheepshead Bay to the Bay of Booth
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!"
Southhampton girls have figures fine
Rigged loose in front and taut behind
With packing slips from Calvin Klein
"Tanqueray Martinis, Oh!"

cho:

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Peg
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 12:31 AM

A mermaid found a swimming lad, Picked him for her own, Pressed her body to his body, Laughed; and plunging down Forgot in cruel happiness That even lovers drown. -- William Butler Yeats

The way in which the mythic elements of the mermaid's existence have developed over the centuries has always fascinated me. I believe that the legendary beauty attributed to mermaids, as well as the importance of their toilette (the comb and mirror), results from wishful thinking or, if you like, embarrassment, on the parts of sailors and seamen who perpetuate these myths. If a sailor, long at sea and lonely as salt, succumbed to the charms of a dugong or manatee, of a seal or other sloe-eyed creature of the sea, shouldn't he naturally want to, uh, romanticize the experience? If there truly exists a sea creature with breasts, expressive facial features, etc., then it's not too far-fetched to assume that humans would attempt to justify their sexual trespassings by mythologizing the creature into something beautiful and mysterious. This might also help explain the legendary seductive prowess of the mermaid's beauty, and the often deadly lure (isn't that what fishermen call their bait?) of her singing. The taboos surrounding sex between humans and animals are just too deeply ingrained for the mermaid to remain a mere mammal in the eyes (and hearts) of those men compelled to make love to her.

One thing that confounds my love of the English painter Waterhouse is that he uses the same model for so many of his paintings, from his famous The Mermaid, to La Belle Dame Sans Merci, to Circe, to Ophelia. Several of these have connections to Arthurian legend, but it is his portrayal of the mermaid which is somehow more magical than any other heroine he has painted from the annals of myth. Is it a cruel joke that a man named "Waterhouse" should create so many paintings whose primary element is water? Think of his two most famous works: The Lady of Shalott in her lonely boat.

And The Mermaid, endlessly perched at the ocean's edge.

She sits upon ancient, sea-hewn rock, combing her long hair, a shell dripping with pearl necklaces and other aquatic treasure beside her. She gazes with intensity at something we cannot see, her eyes (the blue of frozen oceans) fastened, perhaps, upon the waves, awaiting a ship, awaiting a sailor... will she fall in love? Will he? Shall he be dragged, salt-drunk, down and down into her kingdom of coral, her bed of vermilion anemones? Shall he swim at her side, willingly, down and down until his lungs burst, his last thought that he has never seen anything so beautiful as her golden hair? Or will she be the one tempted, to leave the sea, her sisters, her mirrors, her combs, to relinquish her melodious voice, to split her tail in searing agony, so that she may walk beside him on dry, dry earth? What, precisely, is the nature of seduction? What is its price?

(the above is excerpted from an article I wrote a while back..I was actually looking for a mermaid poem I wrote for the same magazine but this is all I could find...p'raps you can all envision its waterlogged pages washing up on the deck?)

Peg

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 12:35 AM

Aw, Jeez Peg -- ya make the old salts laugh, ya make 'em cry. Beautifully done.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 12:53 AM

Sung as sweetly as a siren, Peg. Amos, buy the lady a beer.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dead Horse
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 02:05 AM

My Lady of Shallot, brings tears to my eyes. As do leeks.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 09:35 AM

Gareth - I think you'll find it was JON Campbell who wrote that fine contemporary shanty "TANQUERAY MARTINIS, OH." We have our own version of this ditty which we sing in Maine, only the names are changed to implicate the relevant parties:

Tanqueray Martini-O
(Words & Music by Jon Campbell © Adapted for Maine by Charlie Ipcar - 1992 As Sung by Roll & Go)

As we set sail from Portland Town,
With a fleet of CrisCrafts all around,
From up on deck a call came down
Tanqueray Martini-o!

'Tis all the captains and the crew
Must have the drink you can look right through,
And 'tis really nothing else will do
Tanqueray Martini-o!

Chorus:

'Tis haul the sheets back with one hand,
Set your drink down if you can,
And we never sail out of sight of land
Tanqueray Martini-o!

At Bailey's Island we put in,
Being nearly out of gin,
To continue on would've been a sin
Tanqueray Martini-o!

The captain's laid out on the floor,
Being elected to get some more,
But he's broke his leg tryin' to get on shore
Tanqueray Martini-o!(CHO)

'Tis nine parts gin to one Vermouth,
'Tis a yachtsman's friend and that's the truth,
From Casco Bay to the Bay of Booth
Tanqueray Martini-o!

"All hands on deck!" comes the cry,
As gale force winds shred the sky,
But we stay dry 'cause we're so high
Tanqueray Martini-o!(CHO)

Them Camden girls sure look fine,
Rigged loose up front and snug behind,
With a quarterboard reading Calvin Klein
Tanqueray Martini-o!

Them Portland boys must be seen,
All decked out by L.L. Bean,
But with the first swell they turn quite green
Tanqueray Martini-o!(CHO)

Vast Heavin'!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: The Pooka
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 01:04 PM

But when Gareth and Charlie finish off their Tanqueray Martinis-Oh with a little Guinness chaser and lurch topside for to clear their heads in the salt-sea air, it's then that peerin' a bit squiddy-eyed off to starboard, the both of 'em swears they spy a great grey Seal a-swimmin' alongside, lookin' longingly up at the frolicking crew with her mournful, soulful, somehow-human-seeming eyes....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: kendall
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 01:39 PM

Come down Morticia, helmsperson, steer nothing to the left of 090. Gather 'round and listen to an old tale of the sea. It's from memory, so, cut me some slack.

The Loch Arcre' was a clipper tall
With seven and twenty hands in all
Twenty to man and reef and haul
A skipper to sail, and a Mate to bawl
"Tally onto the tackle falls! heave now and start her, heave and pawl!"

Hear the yarn of a sailor, 'tis an old yarn
Learned at sea.
The crew were shipped and they said "Farewell,
so long me tottie, you lovely gal,
we sail today should we fetch to hell
It's time we tackled the wheel a spell." The dockside loafers talked on the quay (key) The day they towed her down to sea,
"Lord, what a handsome ship she be,
Cheer her sonny boys, three times three"!

The dockside loafers gave her the shout
As the red funnel tugboat towed her out,
They gave her the cheer as the custom is
And the crew yelled back, "Give our love to Liz"!
"Three cheers bullies for the old pier head,
and the bloody stay-at-homes," they said.

Then the grayness, the coming on of night
She dropped the tug at the Tusker Light,
Topsails went to the topmast head
To a chorus that fairly well woke the dead.
Her yards were trimmed and she slanted south
With her royals set, and a "bone in her mouth"

They crossed the line, and all went well
They ate, they slept and stuck the bell,
And I give you gospel truth when I state
The crew could find no fault with the Mate.
But, one night, off the river Platte,
She freshens up and blows like thunder,
Buried her deep lee scuppers under
The Captain says "I mean to hang on 'til her canvas busts or her sticks are gone." Which, the blushing loonie did;
'Til at last, overboard went the mizzenmast.
Then a fierce squall hit the Loch Arcre'
Buried her down to her waterways,
She couldn't lay to, nor yet pay off
Her decks swept clean in the bloody though.
E're the watch below had time to dress
She was cluttered up in a blushing mess
The main shrouds gave and the forestay
Green seas carried the wheel away;
Her masts were gone, and before you knowed
She filled by the head, and down she goed.
The crew made seven and twenty dishes
For the big jack sharks and the little fishes;
Over their bones the water swishes.

Now, the wives the girlfriends they wait in the rain
For a ship that wont come home again
"Oh, it must be them head winds," they say, "She'll be home tomorrow, if not today,
I'll just nip home and air the sheets, buy the fixins
and cook the meats, as my man likes, as my man eats".
Home they go, up the windy streets; they're thinking their men are homeward bound,
With anchors hungry for English ground,
But, the bloody fun of it is, they've all drowned.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
"tis an old yarn, learned at see. John Masefield

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: kendall
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 01:44 PM

...learned at SEA

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 02:34 PM

Good song, Cap'n! Do ye know the story of

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 02:36 PM

the Wanderer?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Gareth
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 03:00 PM

Nice one Kendall - It's The Lay of the Loch Ashray (from memory)

And remember always lean over the lee rail, otherwise you get your own back.

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: kendall
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 03:17 PM

One doesn't get to be Poet Laureate of England by writing drivel.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 03:42 PM

Now we have the bugger aboard, can we set a course to the Spanish ocean, where the trades will heal him, the blue waves make him sing? What ho, Caping -- kin we set us south by east, then?

In the harbor, in the island, in the Spanish Seas,
Are the tiny white houses and the orange trees,
And day-long, night-long, the cool and pleasant breeze
Of the steady Trade Winds blowing.

There is the red wine, the nutty Spanish ale,
The shuffle of the dancers, the old salt's tale,
The squeaking fiddle, and the soughing in the sail
Of the steady Trade Winds blowing.

And o' nights there's fire-flies and the yellow moon,
And in the ghostly palm-trees the sleepy tune
Of the quiet voice calling me, the long low croon
Of the steady Trade Winds blowing.

Warm winds, and a fine rolling sea,

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 04:57 PM

On the distant isle of Abaco
In a palm-thatched tropic bar
Over icy beer and rum punch
I met a tanned old tar
He said "I left the rat race years ago
Quit the job and left the wife
And headed down to Abaco
To live a sailin' life
And I've got a little money
But I've got a lot of friends
Who'll help me to my sailboat
When the evening finally ends
And I hold no expectations
But take days as they come
And live on time and sunshine
And grouper, beans, and rum

For when I've had my fill
Of this old harbor's chums
I'll raise the sails and set my course
For whatever my way comes
And all I needs a breath o' wind
while the sheet taps like a drum
My ship and me, a following sea
And grouper, beans, and rum

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 05:04 PM

There's a tenor and counterpoint for you. Nicely sung, Lonesome!! Ya wanna found a little grass-roof bar on a distant island shore? I have all the requirements listed out. LOL!

Grouper, beans and rum, aye!!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Peg
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 06:55 PM

The stowaway with ragged skirts and the scent of seaweed in her hair offers a net bag of apples and a flask of port for the humble repast...oh and a bar of bittersweet chocolate...and maybe a song when we've digested our dinner...

Peg

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Gareth
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 07:03 PM

Kendall, you ain't read our present Laureat, to use a bad pun "it ai'nt poetry in motion"

Meanwhile that metal bucket has not been moved away from the Compass - and we are still sailing in song circles.

All and sundry are anticipating what they will do when our Gallant ship docks in dear Old Swansea Town.

MAGGIE MAY

Now you jolly sailor lads, come listen to my tale,
I'm sure you will have cause to pity me,
I was a foolish young and gay in the port of Swansea Bay,
When I called there on my first port home from sea.

cho: Oh Maggie, Maggie May
They have taken her away
To slave upon Van Dieman's cruel shore.
Oh, you robbed so many whalers, and dosed so many sailors
But you'll never cruise 'round Wind Street no more.

I was staying at the Home, from a voyage to Sierre Leone,
And two-pound-ten a month was all my pay,
As I jingled with my tin, I was easy taken in,
By a little girl up there called Maggie May.

cho:
Oh. I'll never forget the day when I first met Maggie May,
She was standing on a corner at Llansamlet Place,
In a full-sized crin-o-line, like a frigate of the line,
And as she saw I was a sailor I gave chase.

She gave me a saucy nod, and I, like a farmer's clod, Let her take me line abreast in tow,
And under all plain sail, we ran before the gale
And to the Swansea Jack's Tavern we did go

Next morning when I woke, I found that I was broke,
No shoes or shirt or trousers could I find,
When I asked her where they were, she answers "My dear sir,
They're down in Lewis' pawnshop number nine."

So to Lewis' I did go, but no clothing could I find,
And the policeman took that wicked girl away,
And the judge he guilty found her, of robbing a homeward-bounder,
And now she's doing time in Botany Bay.

She was chained and sent away from Swansea Town one day,
The lads all cheered as she sailed down the bay,
And every sailor lad, he only was too glad
They'd sent that old whore out to Botany Bay.

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 07:08 PM

Yeehaw, G! Just the sort of song Capting Morse'd appreciate I yam sure!!

LOL!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 07:18 PM

Up came a mermaid covered in slime,
We took her to the wheelhouse and had a good time....

What are the vital statistics of a mermaid....
38 - 24 - £2.10 (about $3) per pound.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Gareth
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 07:22 PM

For it's stormy old weather,
Windy old weather
If we've got to go
Then we'll all go together !

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 07:57 PM

As a matter of fact, I appreciated Maggie Mae enough to record it for Folk Legacy!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:30 AM

Then the mate ran for'ard as we cleared the dock,
And the skipper caught his xxxxx's in the main sheet block...

What joy!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:31 AM

And the bos'n called out, Whoop Jamboree!! Haul away!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: DMcG
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:38 AM

He had bought a large map representing the sea,
Without the least vestige of land:
And the crew were much pleased when they found it to be
A map they could all understand.

"What's the good of Mercator's North Poles and Equators,
Tropics, Zones, and Meridian Lines?"
So the Bellman would cry: and the crew would reply
"They are merely conventional signs!

"Other maps are such shapes, with their islands and capes!
But we've got our brave Captain to thank:
(So the crew would protest) "that he's bought us the best--
A perfect and absolute blank!"

Lewis Carroll - The Hunting of the Snark

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dead Horse
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 06:03 PM

Have you got any news of the iceberg?

Well a poor old man come a-riding by,
and we say so, and we hope so.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Gareth
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 07:08 PM

Hmmm! The way this thread is going I think we need this song of disaster in American Waters to cheer us up !

We sailed away from Huntington Bay
And the waters were calm as could be-oh
On our new cabin cruiser,
the first time we used her
'Twas just the family and me-oh
And my husband stood proud in his new captain's hat
Using words like "Ahoy there" and shit like that
So we took the kid and Cleo our cat
And set out to conquer the sea-oh
Everyone loved it but Clee-oh

And it's yo ho over the sea
The salt and the spray and the cool ocean breeze
Pass me a bottle of Perrier, please
This is the life for me

The tranquillity three miles out to sea
Suddenly came to an end-oh
When the kid started saying,
"No way am I staying
I'd rather be playing Nintend-oh."
And the captain cried, "Ho there, you little snot
I paid sixty grand for this family yacht
You're gonna enjoy yourself, like it or not
So you'd better learn how to pretend-oh"
(We all caught the man's innuend-oh)

So it's yo ho over the sea
The salt and the spray and the cool ocean breeze
Pass me a bottle of Dramamine, please
This is the life for me?

My husband the captain was checking the charts
While the cruiser was burning up fuel
And the kid threw the cat in, trolling for sharks
He called it a project for schoo-el
I reached down to pull the cat in by the tail
When I saw what was left my complexion went pale
That's when I lost my lunch over the rail
The kid thought the whole thing was coo-el
Mama was not feeling too-well

So it's yo ho over the sea
The salt and the spray and the cool ocean breeze
Pass me a bottle of Valium, please
Is this the life for me?

We ran out of fuel by mid-afternoon
And the clouds were moving in fast-er
And the captain did say, "There's no more Perrier"
Which made it a total disast-er
With hardly a warning it started to pour
And we drifted 'til we reached the New Jersey shore
(Never thought I'd be glad to see Jersey before)
We started drifting in fast-er
Tried to steer the ship, but we crashed-her

And it's yo ho over the sea
The salt and the spray and the cool ocean breeze
Pass me a bottle of cyanide, please
This is no life for me

Epilogue
I'm back in my condo, the cruiser's a wreck
My husband is spending the insurance check
On something for dry land or I'll break his neck
'Cause this is the life for me
Yo ho

Gareth
" Oh it's Yuppies on the Starboard Bow,
Starboard Bow, Starboard Bow, Starboard Bow

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:01 AM

Heads up! As Social Director for this sorry excuse for a cruise, I insist on adding a little order to the proceedings.
First: All chanteymen, folk singers, and musicians to the stern. That's the back of the ship to you first time sailors.
Second: All Pirate Wannabees to the bow. Captain Morse will show you the basics of hanging, walking the plank, and keel-hauling. I strongly suggest that you lose the eye patches and join the musicians in the stern.
Mermaids, camp followers, and street walkers to the starboard side for health examinations. Please note that beastiality is limited to llamas by order of Captain Kendall.
Lastly. There is a huge ocean surrounding this ship and capable of dealing with bodily wastes, raw sewerage, and vomit. Please do not flush these offending materials down the sink with champagne. Some of us prefer it to beer, grog, and rum.

OK then. First seating for dinner is at 17:00 in the Main Dining Room. Second seating is at 19:00 followed by an ice sculpture demonstration on th Promenade.Skeet Shooting follows in the bow assuming Captain Morse has no pirates to be executed.06:00 breakfast followed by fire drills and facials in the Main Salon. Any questions?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:05 AM

LOL!! This whacky cruise is getting thicker by the hour!! Are we lost yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 05:41 AM

Suddenly a cry rings out from the Crow's Nest -

Yo Ho for land I see -
I see Jerusalem & Madagascaar
And North & South Amerikee
I seee the British fleet at anchor
And Admiral Nelson, K.C.B.


And we all shout back, "Morty - what the hell are you on ?", "You haven't been smoking dried Seagull shit again, have you ?"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 05:47 AM

To quote from a recently seen T-Shirt

"I'd rather be in a boat with a drink 'on the rocks'; than in the drink with a boat on the rocks"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 07:43 AM

More verses from "A Sailor's Yarn" by J.J. Roche, circa 1890 as adapted by Charlie Ipcar in 1993 to the tune of "Whup Jamboree":

"Pray, bosun, down in the for'ard hold,
What water do you show?"
"Four foot and a half by the royal gaff
And rather more below."...

"Then, sailors, collar your marline spikes
And roll each belaying pin;
Come, stir your stumps to spike the pumps,
Or more will be coming in."...

They stirred their stumps, they spiked the pumps,
They spliced the mizzen brace;
Aloft and alow they worked, but, oh!
The water gained apace...

They bored a hole beneath her line
To let the water out,
But more and more with an awful roar,
The water in did spout...

Then up spoke the cook of our gallant ship –
And he was a lubber brave –
"I've several wives in various ports,
And me bacon I would save."...

The next to speak was our bosun bold,
Who feared neither fish nor fog –
"'Tis dreadful to die, but 'tis worse to go dry,
And I move we pipes to grog."...

The last to speak was our second mate,
Whose courage was second to none –
"Takes more than lip to save a ship,
I'll show you how 'tis done!"...

Then hoasting the anchor upon his back,
He leapt into the main;
Through foam and spray he clove his way,
And sunk and rose again...

Through foam and spray, a league away,
The anchor stout he bore,
Till safe at last, he made it fast,
And warped the ship ashore!
Yes, he warped the ship ashore!

;~)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Les from Hull
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 08:53 AM

Is it alright if my mate, Albert Ross, comes aboard? I've just got to have look round first to make sure that no silly bugger has brought a crossbow.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: GUEST,DMcG at work
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 09:06 AM

It is an ancient virus check
And it stoppeth one in three...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: kendall
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 09:17 AM

Gareth, that piece sounds familiar. Where is it from? I like that. Fun is fun folks but, keep a weather eye out for strange sea creatures. Where there is a giant squid, there are sperm whales too, and they have been known to get pissed off and sink ships. Years ago, it was off the coast of Switzerland, the words of an old sailor warned me not to sail on the Pequod, he said, "There'll come a day at sea when you'll smell land where there be no land; and on that day, Ahab will go to his grave; but, he will rise again and beckon, and all, save one, will follow." That voyage ended badly; so, look alive there!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 09:23 AM

`By thy download and senseless text,
Now wherefore plague thou me ?

The PalTalk's doors are opened wide,
And I am patch-ed in ;
The room is met, the mikes are set :
Doth hear the merry din?'

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 09:26 AM

...by embedded loops, and BigEndian bytes
Now, wherefore stop's't thou me?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 10:17 AM

I haven't got the time to listen to any yarns from ancient mariners at the moment - I've got a wedding to get to......

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: GUEST, Abbot of Aberbrothok
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 10:30 AM

Bells, get yer loverly bells 'ere
Top quality, just what yer need, love
To keep yer safe and sound

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 10:31 AM

what had appeared to be a pile of rags, stirred, lurched upwards and grabbed Dave by the arm

No - you must listen to me...there was a ship...and we sailed out oe'r the sea - past Joe Offer's lighthouse, out onto the open sea. Then south - until the sun topped the mast at noon. Then came the storm. The storm....

The pile of rags subsides again, muttering

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: Amos
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 10:54 AM

He holds him with his glittering eye--
    The Mudcat Host stood still,
    And listens like a three years' child:
    The Checker hath his will.

    The Mudcat Host sat on a stone:
    And listens to the dreck
    And thus spake on that ancient man,
    The bright-eyed VirusCheck.

    'The ship was cheered, the harbour cleared,
    Merrily did we drop
    Below the kirk, below the hill,
    Below the lighthouse top.

    The Sun came up upon the left,
    And into the West went down!
    And Max prepared a Radio Show
    For Catters all around.

    Closer and closer came the day,
    Till one Tuesday  at noon--'
    The Mudcat Host here beat his breast,
    Hearing a folkie tune.

    Now Max hath paced into the hall,
    Red in the nose, but pert;
    Nodding their heads before him go
    Bright Mary Mac, and Bert.

    The Mudcat Host he beats his breast,
    He flexes wrist and neck;
    And still runs  on that ancient loop,
    The endless Virus Check.

    And now attachments came, and they
    Were tyrannous and many:
    They crashed the Mudcat Radio,
    And left us without any!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 11:11 AM

BRAVO!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: kendall
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:57 PM

Man! I love this place; so many well read people.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 01:01 PM

I suspect a lot of us had schooling back in the days when you were required to read and memorize such things. (Kendall excepted, of course, since he predates the invention of the alphabet)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern-at-Sea
From: MMario
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 01:04 PM

COMING ABOUT to part II.