Breedloves's Folk Songs

FISH OF THE SEA

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  • FISH OF THE SEA
    This shanty originated as a Scottish fisherman’s song. It was also popular with Gloucester
    fishermen in the American Northeast. American’s evidently sang the song to a Scottish
    tune, and Whall (a Scotsman), in “Sea Songs and Shanties” gives it a different tune from
    the usual Scottish air. In addition, it was also sung to the tune of “Blow the Man Down”.
    It was also sung to other tunes. This is a Canadian version, given by Barry Taylor. This
    was a capstan shanty, and sailors would take turns with verses, giving a new fish each
    time for as long as was necessary.
    Come all you young sailormen, listen to me
    I’ll sing you a song of the fish in the sea,
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
    When the wind blows we’re all together, boys
    Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
    Jolly sou’wester, boys, steady she goes.
    Up jumps the eel with his slippery tail,
    Climbs up aloft and reefs the topsail,
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Then up jumps the shark with his nine rows of teeth
    Saying, ‘You eat the dough boys, and I’ll eat the beef!’
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Up jumps the lobster with his heavy claws,
    Bites the main boom right off by the jaws!
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Up jumps the halibut, lies flat on the deck
    He says, ‘Mister Captain, don’t step on my neck!’
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Up jumps the herring, the king of the sea,
  • Saying, ‘All other fishes, now you follow me!’
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Up jumps the codfish with his chuckle-head,
    He runs out up forward and throws out the lead!
    and it’s…
    Chorus
    Up jumps the whale… the largest of all,
    ‘If you want any wind, well, I’ll blow ye a squall!’
    and it’s…
    Chorus (twice

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