Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over

Subject: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: Barb'ry
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 10:22 AM

Hi
I'm trying to get all the words for this short-haul shanty. These are the words I have (from a Keelers cd) but can anyone fill in the gaps?

Oh ho why don't you blow
Hi ho come roll me over

1 man to hoist the flag (hi ho come roll me over) x2
2 men to man the wheel (''''')
3 men t'gallant braces
4 men to board the tack
5 men to heave the lead
6 men to furl the gansail
7 men to ?bunt the ?bow

oh ho why don't you blow etc

I know what bunt lines are - does it mean attaching one to the bow? Or do I just have the words wrong? Any other mistakes?

Many thanks
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: Lighter
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 10:35 AM

"Five men to heave the lead" ? Now that'd be something to see....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 10:45 AM

I've heard about 'swinging the lead' but THAT is ridiculous, even for a Union Shop...

:-)

or ship...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 10:49 AM

I was sure that at some point in that song, somebody struck the bell. It might've been one man, as hoisting the flag doesn't sound at all familiar. Mind you, it's been about 20 years since I've heard it. I also seem to recall that the two men were minding the entire wheelhouse, not just the wheel.

Great song! Thank you for reminding me of it.

Claire

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 11:02 AM

Barb'ry, your query led me to this fascinating Masefield page on sea songs. He mentions the presumed author of Come Roll Me Over about 1/3 of the way down the page. (Search for "Oho, why don't you blow?")

Cheers,
Claire

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: SussexCarole
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 12:13 PM

It's in Hugill Barb

Carole x

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: SussexCarole
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 12:17 PM

1 man to strike the bell
2 men to man the wheel
3 men t'gallant braces
4 men to board the tack
5 men to heave the lead
6 men to furl t' g'nsls
7 men to bunt-a-bo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 12:29 PM

It's apparently also in Masefield's "A Sailor's Garland" (1906, page 314) with at least one different verse. Don't have the book, so can't check 'em all, but the quote I found online mentioned these, of which #4 is different:

One man to strike the bell
Two to take the wheel
Three the top-gallant braces
Four to man the capstan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Come Roll Me Over
From: Barb'ry
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 01:39 PM

Thanks everyone