Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1] We slipped from the spit in the gray of the dawn Salt in our mouths and the lanterns gone Bosun growled low "Put your backs to the foam" Black-tide oars beat the road from home [Chorus] Heave Lads Heave that Black-Tide oar Drag that keel from shore to shore If the sea takes one She'll ask for more Row My bullies Row Row My bullies Row [Verse 2] Press-gang steel at the tavern door Next thing I knew I was countin' the oars Name struck clean from the parish roll Given to the gun and the captain's hold [Chorus] Heave Lads Heave that Black-Tide oar Drag that keel from shore to shore If the sea takes one She'll ask for more Row My bullies Row Row My bullies Row [Bridge] We buried Tom Pike by the lantern's spit Wrapped in a sail with his wages writ Three times down and he was gone from sight Only his cup left swingin' all night (all night) [Chorus] Heave Lads Heave that Black-Tide oar Drag that keel from shore to shore If the sea takes me Let the sea keep score Row My bullies Row Row My bullies Row
Tags
folk, Gritty acoustic folk in a minor key, baritone male vocals leading a rough crew chorus. Stomps and handclaps lock a steady rowing pulse; fiddle and low whistle weave around a battered concertina. Verses stay close and hushed like a mess-deck tale, choruses swell with gang shouts and stacked harmonies. Subtle creaks, chains, and hull ambience for texture; final chorus drifts out on a held drone and fading oar-beat., shanty, acoustic, ballad, rhythmic, vocal
Duration
2:09
Instrumental
No
Created
1/19/2026