BLOW THE MAN DOWN Version 1 Traditional

Transcription

1 BLOW THE MAN DOWN Version 1 Traditional This song is found in one version or another in nearly every collection of sea songs. It was the tune most often sung by the cartoon character Popeye. Here are several versions. Note: the F is optional. Oh, blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down Oh, blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down As I was a-walking down Paradise Street A pretty young damsel I chanced for to meet. She was round in the counter and bluff in the bow F So I took in all sail, and cried, "Way enough now." F I hailed her in English, she answered me clear, "I'm from the Black Arrow bound to the Shakespeare."

2 So I tailed her my flipper and took her in tow And yardarm to yardarm away we did go But as we were going she said unto me "There's a spanking full-rigger just ready for sea." That spanking full-rigger to New York was bound, She was very well manned and very well found. But soon as that packet was clear of the bar The mate knocked me down with the end of a spar

3 And as soon as that packet was out on the sea 'Twas devilish hard treatment of every degree So I give you fair warning before we belay Don't never take heed of what pretty girls say flipper - equating his arm to a sea animal's flipper yardarm - the crosspiece on the mast, another reference to human arms full-rigger - reference to the sails and their configuration, all square-rigged well-manned - good crew packet - ship mate - first mate spar - tapered wooden timber, sometimes protruding out from the bow Barq (Barque) or Bark Brigantine or Brig 3 masts 2 masts 2 front square rigged front square rigged rear mast fore-and-aft rig rear fore-and-aft rig clipart from Dover copyright-free clipart Prepared by A. Farley for SongScouting.Wordpress.com

4 BLOW THE MAN DOWN Version 2 Traditional This song is found in one version or another in nearly every collection of sea songs. It was the tune most often sung by the cartoon character Popeye. Here are several versions. Note: the F is optional. ome all you young fellows that follow the sea, Now pray pay attention and listen to me. I'm a deep-water sailor just come from Hong Kong If you give me some whiskey, I'll sing you a song On a trim Black Ball liner I first served my time And in that Black Baller I wasted my prime It's when a Black Baller's preparing for sea You'd split your sides laughing the sights you would see

5 At the tinkers, and tailors, and sojers and all For you'll seldom find sailors aboard a Black Ball 'Tis when the Black Baller is clear of the land The crew musters aft at the word of command "Lay aft," is the cry, "to the break of the poop," 'Or I'll help you along with the toe of my boot." "Pay attention to orders, now you one and all," "For see, right above you there flies the Black Ball."

6 'Tis larboard and starboard on deck you will sprawl For Kicking Jack Williams commands the Black Ball [insert captain's name here] Black Ball line - a shipping line known for it's harsh treatment of sailors tinker - pot-maker, mender sojer - corruption of soldier muster - assemble aft - the back of the ship poop - short for poopdeck larboard - left side of the ship (aka port) starboard - right side of the ship windward - side the wind is blowing into leeward - side sheltered from the wind aka lee or a-lee bow aka forward larboard starboard aka port amain stern aka aft Prepared by A. Farley for SongScouting.Wordpress.com

7 BLOW THE MAN DOWN Version 3 Traditional This song is found in one version or another in nearly every collection of sea songs. It was the tune most often sung by the cartoon character Popeye. Here are several versions. Note: the F is optional. As I was a-walking down Paradise Street A Liverpool bobby I chanced for to meet. Says he, "You're a Black Baller by the cut of your hair, I know you're a Black Baller by the clothes that you wear." "You've sailed in a packet that flies the Black Ball," "You've robbed some poor Dutchman of boots, clothes, and all." "O policeman, policeman, you do me great wrong, I'm a Flying Fish sailor just home from Hong Kong."

8 They gave me six months in Liverpool town, For kicking a p'liceman and blowing him down. Liverpool - an English port bobby - an English policeman Black Ball - a shipping line noted for its cruel working conditions packet - ship Flying Fish - name of a ship Prepared by A. Farley for SongScouting.Wordpress.com

9 BLOW THE MAN DOWN Version 4 Traditional This song is found in one version or another in nearly every collection of sea songs. It was the tune most often sung by the cartoon character Popeye. Here are several versions. Note: the F is optional. Oh blow the man down bullies, blow the man down Refrain: Way, hay, blow the man down Oh blow the man down bullies, blow the man down Give me some time to blow the man down. As I was a-walking down Paradise Street Refrain: Way, hay, blow the man down A pretty young damsel I happened to meet She had a man, oh blow the man down. So I swung to the left, and I swung to the right Refrain: Way, hay, blow the man down But he was a guy who sure knew how to fight I had no chance to blow the man down. The adorable damsel, when she saw me fall Refrain: Way, hay, blow the man down Took off with her hero, so handsome and tall Lord, give me strength to blow the man down.

10 All ye sailors take warning before you set sail, Refrain: Way, hay, blow the man down If he's strong as an ox and as big as a whale, Think twice before you blow the man down. Prepared by A. Farley for SongScouting.Wordpress.com