Next time you hear a group of salty sea dogs burst into song, you’ll be able to join in!
In our July issue, we met the all-female shanty singers, Femmes de la Mer (pictured above) and we’ve been humming shanties ever since. Just so we’re all prepared the next time there’s a coastal singalong, we thought we’d learn a sea shanty ourselves, and you’re welcome to join us.
Blow The Man Down is a traditional shanty dating to the 1860s. It’s thought to be about an accident at sea during which the lives of the sailors were put in jeopardy by sudden gales. You can listen to the song here, and then sing along with the lyrics below. Anyone with an accordion is most welcome, too!
Blow The Man Down
Come, all you young fellows who follow the sea (to me!)
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
And pray pay attention and listen to me
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
I'm a deep water sailor just in from Hong Kong (to me!)
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
If you buy me a drink, then I'll sing you a song (yeah)
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
Blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
Wey hey, blow the man down
Blow him right back into Liverpool town
Gimme some time to blow the man down
There's tinkers and tailors and soldiers and all (to me!)
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
They all ship for sailors on board the Black Ball
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
You'll see those poor devils, how they will all scoot
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
Assisted along by the toe of a boot
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
Blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
Wey hey, blow the man down
Blow him right back into Liverpool town
Gimme some time to blow the man down
It's starboard and larboard on deck they will sprawl (to me!)
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
For kickin' Jack Williams commands the Black Ball
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
Lay aft now, ya lubbers, lay aft now, I say (to me!)
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
I'll none of yer dodges on my ship today (whoo)
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
Blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
Wey hey, blow the man down
Blow him right back into Liverpool town
Gimme some time to blow the man down
So I'll give you fair warning before we belay (to me!)
(Wey hey, blow the man down)
Don't ever take heed of what chantymen say (no)
(Gimme some time to blow the man down)
Blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
Wey hey, blow the man down
Blow him right back into Liverpool town
Gimme some time to blow the man down
Learn more about singing shanties with Femmes de la Mer in our July issue, which is on sale now. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe
