The Old Grey

The captain was a man with a heart like a stone
Heave away, the wind is blowing
He’d work a man right down to the bone
Along the coast of Jersey
We signed our names for a silver piece
But the work on this deck, it never will cease.
The salt in the meat was a month too old
Heave away, the wind is blowing
And the beer in the barrel was green with mold
Along the coast of Jersey
The sails are torn and the mast is bent
And we’re wondering where our young lives went.
We sighted a ship on the Tuesday night
Heave away, the wind is blowing
But the captain he wouldn't stand up for the fight
Along the coast of Jersey
He turned the wheel and he ran for the bay
And he docked us all without any pay.
The cook in the galley has a hook for a hand
Heave away, the wind is blowing
He hasn’t seen water since he left the land
Along the coast of Jersey
He dropped the soup in the captain’s boot
And we laughed so loud we didn't give a hoot.
The fog came in like a thick wet wool
Heave away, the wind is blowing
The nets are heavy and the nets are full
Along the coast of Jersey
The winch got stuck and the cable snapped
And the whole damn crew in the ropes got trapped.
We reached the pier at the break of day
Heave away, the wind is blowing
We grabbed our bags and we walked away
Along the coast of Jersey
The mate called out for a final pull
But we left him there with a belly full.
So if you’re a sailor and you’re looking for work
Heave away, the wind is blowing
Don’t sign for a man who acts like a clerk
Along the coast of Jersey
He’ll take your boots and he’ll take your pride
And leave you out on the outgoing tide.
I’m heading south where the weather is kind
Heave away, the wind is blowing
I’m leaving the Grey Gull far behind
Along the coast of Jersey
There’s a girl in town and a bed that’s dry
And I’m done with the waves and the winter sky.
One more pull and the job is done.
One more pull and the job is done.

Traditional maritime sea shanty, baritone male vocal lead with chorus backing, rhythmic rowing tempo, acoustic folk, 18t