Lyr ADD: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)

Subject: words to 'the old figurehead carver'
From: GUEST,Kipling
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 08:23 AM

Dear all,
I realise that there has just been a thread started on Dave and Annie-I tried to add this message to the end of it but I really want to get hold of it and noone has added to that thread since yesterday and i'm not sure if the previous Dave and Annie thread might soon fall of the bottom of the page!

Does anyone know the words to the old figurehead carver/ the Marco Polo. I could'nt find it in te digitrad. I'd love tio learn it after I heard Dave and Annie sing it beautifully at Lancaster Maritime Festival, in the UK.
Hope someone can help
Kipling

Subject: RE: words to 'the old figurehead carver'
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 08:38 AM

Kipling-

I'm sure someone will help with this one. However, if you see this thread disappearing to the bottom of the list, you can always bring it to the top, "refreshing it", by posting a note such as this.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: words to 'the old figurehead carver'
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 11:47 AM

I e-mailed Dick Swain to ask him for these lyrics - but if somebody can come up with a transcription sooner, that would be nice.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: words to 'the old figurehead carver'
From: Sorcha
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 11:58 AM

I haven't found anything.

Subject: RE: words to 'the old figurehead carver'
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 05:00 PM

If say yesterday's thread has ALREADY disappeared, set the refresh to three days, and refresh the listing. Then search for your thread, and add something to the end to bring it up into the one-day range. Similarly, if it's older than that make it a longer range for the refresh button.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: words to 'the old figurehead carver'
From: GUEST,curmudgeon
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 05:21 PM

It is on "Away from it all," new CD from Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman. Get it from them or check with Camsco. Great song -- Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD FIGUREHEAD CARVER (H Cody / D Swain)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 05:32 PM

OK, I'm still hoping for Dick to come in and give us the exact text. In the meantime, I thought I'd try a transcription. Please let me know any corrections you can suggest, and I'll edit them in. "From the mast on down straight shore" has me stumped - maybe "Dunn Strait," but then I can't make sense of the rest of it.
Yes, it's a good thing to buy the CD, but it takes a lot to understand the song without looking at a text. I can understand better when I hear a song in concert - but I can't learn a song from a recording unless I make an effort to transcribe it. I wish Dave and Anni put lyrics in their CD booklets.
Dave has a songbook available for $12, but it has only 20 songs or so, only ones he wrote himself.
-Joe Offer-

---

^^
OLD FIGUREHEAD CARVER
(Hiram Cody / Dick Swain)

I have done my share of carving figureheads of quaint design
For the Olives and the Ruddicks, and the famous Black Ball Line
Brigantines and barks and clippers, brigs and schooners, lithe and tall
But the bounding Marco Polo was the flower of them all.

CHORUS
While my hands are steady, while my eyes are good,
I will carve the music of the wind into the wood.

I can see that white-winged clipper reeling under scudding clouds
Tramping down a hazy skyline with a Norther in her shrouds
I can feel her lines of beauty, see her flecked with spume and brine
As she drives her scuppers under, and that figurehead of mine.

Was of seasoned pine I made it, clear from outer bark to core
From the finest piece of timber, from the mast-pond on Straight Shore
Every bite of axe or chisel, every ringing mallet welt
Wrought from out that block of timber all the spirit that I felt.

I heard read of Marco Polo, til his daring deeds were mine
And I say them all a-glowing in that balsam-scented pine
Saw his eyes alight with purpose, facing every vagrant breeze
Saw him lilting free and careless over all the seven seas.

That was how I did my carving, beat of heart and stroke of hand
Putting into life and action all the purpose that I planned
Flowing robes and wind-tossed tresses, forms of beauty, strength, design
I saw them all and tried to carve them in that figurehead of mine.

And when my hands are feeble, and my outward eyes grow dim
I will see again those clippers reeling o'er the ocean's rim
Great white fleet of sailing rovers, wind above and surf beneath
With the Marco Polo leading, and my carving in her teeth.


Transcribed by ear from Away From It All a CD recorded in 2002 by Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, www.oldandnewtradition.com

Notes from Webber/Fentiman: Our friend Dick Swain of Pennsylvania found this poem by the Reverend Hiram Cody of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The great merchant ship, the Marco Polo, was built close to St. John. It would be nice to think that Cody may have had some personal knowledge of the ship, who knows! Dick put this tune to the poem and contributed the wonderful chorus. We love this song and hope you will too.

---

Click to play

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST,Kipling
Date: 01 Nov 02 - 11:17 PM

Hi,
Thanks Joe and everyone else, for the lyrics and advice on refreshing threads etc.

I'm really glad to have the words to this song, it is another one for me to learn in my spare time while i'm working here in Vietnam. I might ask my mum in the UK to get the CD for me and have it posted.

I really look forward to hearing Folk again live, and particularly Dave and Annie, as I hav'nt managed to find much of a folk music interest here, yet.

Kipling

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: radriano
Date: 22 Jan 03 - 12:12 PM

I've e-mailed Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman about "Old Figurehead Carver" - here are a couple of clarifications to Joe's transcription:

In the first verse, second line, Joe was perfectly accurate:

For the Olives and the Ruddicks..

In the third verse, the end of the second line is:

...from the mast pond on straight shore


Joe, it was nice to see you at Camp Harmony.

Radriano

---

Corrections made. -Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST,Guest - Alan
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 11:40 AM

"...from the mast pond on straight shore" I've been looking for that line for ages. Bought the CD a while back and learned the song straight away but could never fathom that line out.

If those are the correct words, what do they mean? I hate singing songs when I don't know what I'm singing about.

Alan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 11:54 AM

the timbers for ships and especially the poles to be made into masts were sometimes (mayhaps frequently?) seasoned and stored Underwater -

a 'mast pond' was setup to do so

so "the mast pond on straight shore" was where he obtained the wood for the figurehead.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: Barbara
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 01:34 PM

Could that be a location? ...on Strait Shore?
Blessings,
Barbara
I, too, am glad to have the words for this; it was something I was planning on transcribing in the next couple days, so thank you Joe and Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: Barbara
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 01:39 PM

Around here in logging country, NW Oregon, "harvested" timber is routinely kept in "log ponds" until the mills are ready to use it. You will see a large pond filled with logs (Douglas fir) and a sprinkler in the center of it to keep the top sides of the logs moist. I would imagine it keeps the lumber from splitting.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Aug 04 - 09:05 AM

I wondered about 'Strait Shore' and 'straight shore' as well -

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 04 - 05:26 PM

Dave and Anni got it direct from the author, so if they have "straight shore" that's probably it. As for meaning... ? An inquiry to Dick would be the thing (I could probably ferret out an address if Joe doesn't step in here).

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Aug 04 - 07:33 PM

If somebody would ask Dick Swain to stop in to comment, that would be really nice. Otherwise, somebody remind me and I'll get hold of him.
Jeff posted a MIDI that Blessings Barbara did of her understanding of the tune.

---

Click to play

---

Thanks, Barbara and Jeff.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST,Alan
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 04:04 AM

Thanks for the info' all.

I'll be sure to sing it at Whitby a time or two over the next week. Whitby Folk week!

Cheers

Alan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: GUEST,Alan
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 08:07 AM

Has anybody found out yet what "on straight/strait" shore means yet?

Chalkie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the old figurehead carver
From: breezy
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 10:33 AM

There are some other good songs on the same CD.

Well worth it at the price.

Nice Christmas present for someone.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver
From: GUEST,Dave B
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 12:03 PM

hi, does anyone have the chords/tabs for subject song by Dick Swain? Thanks, DB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver
From: KathWestra
Date: 04 Jun 05 - 11:21 AM

The song has also been recorded by Gordon Bok on his newest CD, "Apples in the Basket." That's particularly appropriate, because Dick Swain set the poem to his wonderful tune as a wedding present for Gordon and his wife, Carol Rohl. "Apples..." is another CD very worth buying.

I will send Dick an e-mail with a link to this thread, and encourage him to weigh in.
Kathy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST,dave bresett
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 08:23 AM

hi, does anyone have the chords/tabs to the old figurehead carver? thanks in advance. dave b

Subject: Chords Add: THE OLD FIGUREHEAD CARVER (Cody, Swain
From: GUEST,Jan Hauenstein
Date: 03 Mar 06 - 03:04 PM

The Old Figurehead Carver    H.A. Cody/Dick Swain

Capo 2nd fret

(D)(D)(D7)(D7)(D6)(D) (G)
I have done my bit of carving, figure(Am)heads of quaint design,
For the Olives and the (D)Ruddocks and the (C)famous Black Ball (G)Line. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
Brigantines and (G4)barques and (G5)clippers, brigs and (C)schooners, (C/B)lithe and (Am)tall,
But the bounding Marco (D7)Polo was the (C)proudest of them (G)all. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)

And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G) (G4)(G) (D)

I can (G)see that white-winged clipper, reeling (Am)under scudding clouds,
Tramping down a hazy (D)skyline with a (C)Norther in her (G)shrouds. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
I can feel her (G4)lines of (G5)beauty, see her (C)flecked with (C/B)spume and (Am)brine
As she drives her scuppers (D7)under and that (C)figurehead of (G)mine. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)

And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4) (G) (D)

´Twas of (G)seasoned pine I made it, clear from (Am)outer bark to core,
And the finest piece of (D)timber from the (C)mast-pond on Straight (G)Shore. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
Every bite of (G4)axe or (G5)chisel, every (C)ringing (C/B)mallet (Am)welt,
Brought from out that block of (D7)timber all the (C)spirit that I (G)felt. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)

And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G) (G4)(G) (D)

I had (G)read of Marco Polo till his (Am)daring deeds were mine,
And I saw them all a-(D)glowing in that (C)balsam-scented (G)pine, (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
Saw his eyes a(G4)light with (G5)purpose, facing (C)every (C/B)vagrant (Am)breeze,
Saw him lifting, free and (D7)careless, over (C)all the Seven (G)Seas. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)

And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G) (G4)(G) (D)

That was (G)how I did my carving, beat of (Am)heart and stroke of hand,
Blended into life and (D)action all the (C)purpose that I (G)planned, (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
Flowing robes and (G4)wind-tossed (G5)tresses, forms of (C)beauty, (C/B)strength, de(Am)sign.
Saw them all and strove to (D7)carve them in those (C)figureheads of (G)mine. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)

And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G) (G4)(G) (D) (C) (G)

I am old, my hands are feeble, and my (Am)outward eyes are dim,
But I see again those (D)clippers, lifting (C)o´er the ocean´s (G)rim. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
Great white fleets of (G4)reeling (G5)rovers, wind a(C)bove, the (C/B)surf be(Am)neath,
And the Marco Polo (D7)leading with my (C)carving in her (G)teeth. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)

And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G)
And while my (G4)hand is (G5)steady, (C)while my (C/B)eyes are (Am)good,
I will carve the (D7)music of the (C)wind into the (G)wood. (G4)(G5)(G4)(G) (D) (G)

© Words Hiram A. Cody, 1872-1948, music Dick Swain, All Rights Reserved

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 19 Aug 07 - 01:15 PM

This song is also featured on John Roberts' new CD "Sea Fever".

                                                 SOL

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 08:34 AM

This song is brilliant. I have heard it sung by Gordon Bok, John Roberts and a few others. If I could have anything in the world it would be to hear Kendall Morse sing The Old Figurehead Carver. Maybe someday.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: radriano
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:43 PM

Notes from Dick Swain: I believe that Straight Shore was the name of a road in the town of Portland, NB. Portland was very near St. John. I am not sure it exists any longer. It may have been absorbed by ST. John, but there is a St. John Portland Riding for the Canadian Parliament.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swai
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:50 PM

If you ever get the chance to hear Dick himself sing it, do. He hits it just right.

Dan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: EBarnacle
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 01:20 PM

The mast pond had several functions. First, it kept the wood fresh for working. Second, it diluted the sap from the wood. Removing the sugar helped the wood to age better when it finally was allowed to dry out. It also added to final dimensional stability.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Mar 11 - 06:35 PM

I found the lyrics on GoldenHind.com. Can't seem to find piano or guitar music for it though.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Mar 11 - 08:18 PM

Guest-

Try scrolling up in this thread for the guitar chords.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST,Judith
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 08:30 AM

Did anyone find the 'dots' for this ?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 11:13 AM

Kipling

This is such an old thread that I assume you found what you wanted. I'm sending a reply because you can ALWAYS get the precise lyrics to any of John's songs at http://www.goldenhindmusic.com/

Just click on the product (Sea Fever) and the title of the track - not the play button. The Old Figurehead Carver is there at http://www.goldenhindmusic.com/lyrics/OLDFIGUR.html.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 11:40 AM

The only unanswered question in this thread was about the dots. I can sing it, but haven't seen the music.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Stewart
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 12:10 PM

HERE
Scroll down to the title and click on pdf
for the dots.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 01:20 PM

Speaking of dots, be aware that the transcription that Stewart linked gives the pitches, but has fewer dotted notes in the rhythm than as performed (as I've heard it from Dick Swaim and John Roberts, at least). The verse is pretty free, and the chorus swings a little. There's a sample of John's performance at cdbaby.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Stewart
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 02:38 PM

Becky, that's true - my transcriptions are just for the pitches. It's much too complicated to put in all the dotted notes, syncopation and rhythms that a singer might do in singing the song. It's the same for traditional instrumental music. Each singer has to create his/her own version of the song, the timing and the rhythm. You have to make the song your own.

John Roberts does a fine version of this song. But one shouldn't attempt to just copy his or any other person's singing of the song. Create your own interpretation.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Elmore
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 02:06 PM

This thread maker me want to see Dave and Anni in concert again. I missed them the last time they were in town. Won't let that happen again.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 01:54 PM

I was curious about the poem this song was based on. I think, in general, it was improved by the folk process. Here's the original poem:

Poem by Hiram A. Cody, 1925
From Songs of a Bluenose, Hiram A. Cody, McClelland & Stewart, Toronto, Canada, © 1925, p. 33.

The Old Figurehead Carver


I have done my bit of carving,
Figureheads of quaint design,
For the Olives and the Ruddocks,
And the famous Black Ball Line.
Brigantines and barques and clippers,
Brigs and schooners, lithe and tall,
But the bounding "Marco Polo"
Was the proudest of them all.

I can see that white-winged clipper
Reeling under scudding clouds,
Tramping down a hazy sky-line,
With a Norther in her shrouds.
I can feel her lines of beauty,
See her flecked with spume and brine,
As she drives her scuppers under,
And that figurehead of mine.

'Twas of seasoned pine I made it,
Clear from outer bark to core,
And the finest piece of timber
From the mast-pond on Straight Shore.
Every bite of axe or chisel,
Every ringing mallet welt
Brought from out that block of timber
All the spirit that I felt.

I had read of Marco Polo
Till his daring deeds were mine,
And I saw them all aglowing
In that balsam-scented pine;
Saw his eyes alight with purpose,
Facing every vagrant breeze;
Saw him lilting, free and careless,
Over all the Seven Seas.

That was how I did my carving;
Beat of heart and stroke of hand
Blended into life and action
All the purpose that I planned;
Flowing robes and wind-tossed tresses,
Forms of beauty, strength, design—
Saw them all, and strove to carve them
In those figureheads of mine.

I am old, my hands are feeble,
And my outward eyes are dim,
But I see again those clippers
Lifting o'er the ocean's rim;
Great white fleet of reeling rovers,
Wind above and surf beneath,
And the "Marco Polo" leading
With my carving in her teeth.

I'm not sure who exactly is responsible for the wording changes as the song is generally song, other than Dick Swain for the chorus. Does anyone know for sure?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: maeve
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 02:06 PM

Dick is the person who found the poem, edited it for singing, and added both chorus and tune before giving the song to Gordon and Carol, Charley. I'm sure others have made alterations along the way.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 03:22 PM

The lyrics that Jan Hauenstein posted above seem to be the ones that Dick used, with a minimum of changes, except for adding the chorus.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: maeve
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 03:32 PM

Here is a link to Gordon's notes on the song. http://www.timberheadmusic.com/disc/figureheadcarver.htm

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 04:49 PM

maeve-

Thanks!

Ah, we finally have a proper copyright for this poem as adapted for singing: Dick Swain, © 1966.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Abby Sale
Date: 01 Sep 13 - 10:12 AM

Thanks, Charlie Noble. I been looking all over for a cite to the original but had only found a stack of Cody's bad frontier novels - "The King's Arrow," "The Frontiersman," "The Long Patrol," "Glen of the High North," "Jess of the Rebel Trail," etc.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Sep 13 - 08:09 PM

Abby-

Yah, I got curious about this poet. Wondered if he had composed more keepers. There are a couple that I've adapted for singing but haven't recorded yet.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST,Judith Inman
Date: 15 Apr 14 - 02:00 PM

Many thanks , I have at last got round to looking at the dots . Thanks to all

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST,Charley R
Date: 29 Apr 22 - 09:54 PM

I love singing this song. During a pub sing one of my friends asked if we could double the chorus to linger a bit longer on those beautiful words. We did that a couple of times but I found myself wishing for a longer chorus instead of doubling the original. So, apologies to Dick Swain, I added two more lines to the beginning. Here's the result:

   Aged wood is best for carving, on that you can depend, but
   Aging to a carver has seldom been a friend, so
   While my hand is steady, while my eyes are good
   I will carve the music of the wind into the wood

Charley R

Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 May 22 - 11:05 AM

Nice to see this thread revived.

One other poem by Hiram Cody caught my attention and I did set a tune for it and made a recording. The title is "Old Ship Riggers" and I've probably posted it somewhere on this forum and it can be easily found on my website: http://www.charlie ipcar.com/

Cheerily,
Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: GUEST,Charley R
Date: 23 May 22 - 06:09 PM

Thanks for the lead on more songs, Charlie! I loved your bit about group harmonies and strong leads. We try to do that here in Portland on the left coast!

Best,
Charley R

Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: The Old Figurehead Carver (Cody, Swain)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 May 22 - 09:32 PM

Charley R,

Go for it. There is more gold in Hiram Cody's poetry book.

Here's my adaptation of "Old Ship Riggers":

Poem by Hiram A. Cody, © 1925
Adapted for singing by Charles Ipcar, © 2012
Tune: after Obray Ramsey's "French Broad River"
Key: G(7/C)
Old Ship Riggers-2


G-----C--G----------C--G
Now, we did a heap o' riggin'
-----C-----G-----------C-----G
In those rough an’ rowdy days,
-------------D----------------------D7
When the wooden ships were buildin'
------------D------C-------G
On their slanted timber ways;
------- C--G----------C---G
Ships of every sort an' fashion,
-----C---G-----------C--G
Big an' little, short an' tall,
--------D-------------------G
Were launched into the harbor,
-------------------D--G---C--G
An' we rigged 'em one an' all.


Then our riggin' was for sailors,
Rough an' hardy Bluenose dogs,
With their hands as tough as leather,
An' their boots with heavy clogs.
They might rant an' they might roar,
But they'd learned their business right,
An' they trusted to our riggin'
When the seas were rollin' white.

Just like fittin' out a maiden
For her happy weddin' day,
When we rigged a noble vessel
Lying anchored in the bay;
All her gear was new an' shinin’,
Every ribbon taut an' trim,
An' she stood there when we finished,
Tall an' handsome, straight an' slim.


When at last she slipped her moorin',
An' she ghosted down the stream,
With her riggin' all aglowin',
An' her canvas all agleam;
How we cheered her to the heavens,
How our hearts all filled with pride,
As the ocean rose to meet her,
As a groom would greet his bride.

Some came back just as they left us,
Trim an' spotless, sailing free;
Others crept back to the harbor,
Bruised an' broken by the sea;
Those we nursed like tender mothers,
Mendin' canvas, rope an' spar;
Till once more we had 'em shinin'
Like some twinklin' mornin' star.

Now our riggin' days are over,
An' the past fades like a dream,
As we view the mighty changes
Brought about by wizard steam;
We are needed here no longer,
For there's little we can do—
May there still be work for riggers
In that Port beyond the blue.

Subject: Lyr Add: The Old Figurehead Carver
From: Monologue John
Date: 24 Apr 23 - 04:38 PM

The Old Figurehead Carver

The Old Figurehead Carver started out as a poem by Rev Hiram Cody of Fredericton, New Brunswick, referring to the famous clipper Marco Polo launched in 1851 in nearby Saint John. My friend Dick Swain gave the poem a tune and added a marvelous chorus.

I have done my share of carving figureheads of quaint design
For the Olives and the Ruddicks and the famous Black Ball Line
Brigantines and barks and clippers, brigs and schooners, lithe and tall
But the bounding Marco Polo was the flower of them all.
     
I can see that white-winged clipper reeling under scudding clouds
Tramping down a hazy skyline with a Norther in her shrouds
I can feel her lines of beauty, see her flecked with spume and brine
As she drives her scuppers under, and that figurehead of mine.

While my hands are steady, while my eyes are good,
     I will carve the music of the wind into the wood.

'Twas of seasoned pine I made it, clear from outer bark to core
From the finest piece of timber, from the mast-pond on Straight Shore
Every bite of axe or chisel, every ringing mallet welt
Wrought from out that block of timber all the spirit that I felt.

I had read of Marco Polo, til his daring deeds were mine
And I say them all a-glowing in that balsam-scented pine
Saw his eyes alight with purpose, facing every vagrant breeze
Saw him lilting free and careless over all the seven seas.

While my hands are steady, while my eyes are good,
     I will carve the music of the wind into the wood.

That was how I did my carving, beat of heart and stroke of hand
Putting into life and action all the purpose that I planned
Flowing robes and wind-tossed tresses, forms of beauty, strength, design
I saw them all and tried to carve them in that figurehead of mine.

And when my hands are feeble, and my outward eyes grow dim
I will see again those clippers reeling o'er the ocean's rim
Great white fleet of sailing rovers, wind above and surf beneath
With the Marco Polo leading, and my carving in her teeth.
While my hands are steady, while my eyes are good,
     I will carve the music of the wind into the wood.