Torias Kane Posted October 3, 2010 Share #1 Posted October 3, 2010 A Collection of Shanties and Other Sea-Songs Transcribed by Krais Rogan, Master Sailor Notes on the Collection: The shanties and other songs contained in this journal were compiled over a career of 20 years before the mast. Many were first learned on the pirate vessel Proud Bismarck, with others from ships of various sizes operating in southern waters. Those labeled as traditional have believed to have originated with the fisherfolk and other northern clans of the Sea Wolf Roegadyn, of which I count myself a proud member. However, since these clans are far removed from "proper" civilization, and no records of same were maintained to any great length, any such label is tenuous at best. Many also refer to the city-state of Limsa Lominsa, which is not surprising due to it being a major maritime power and supplying both crews and ships to many of the cargo and ferry lines in southern waters. Notes on the type of shanty and conjectured background will be added where appropriate. Weigh Hey Ya - Halyard shanty A halyard or long-haul shanty is used when a given hauling job (hoisting a topsail, for example) is expected to last a long time. Usually, there are multiple pulls with each response, evenly spaced; Weigh and Ya in this case. The ship mentioned in this song could be one of any number of cargo vessels lost to violent storms in the northern seas. I first heard it as a youth aboard the pirate vessel Proud Bismarck, and have since heard several variations of the main shanty on passenger vessels out of ports as far south as Limsa Lominsa. The version recorded here is the one I remember from my youth. Gather round, my lads, and hear my plea Weigh Hey Ya! I'll tell you a tale of the angry sea Weigh Hey Ya! 'Twas a ship of the line, sailed proud and true Weigh Hey Ya! With a sharp-eyed cap'n and a stalwart crew Weigh Hey Ya! Their course was set to southern shores Weigh Hey Ya! With iron and bronze ore in their stores Weigh Hey Ya! While on their way, they saw no sign Weigh Hey Ya! Of the wild storm that trailed behind Weigh Hey Ya! The clouds rolled in and the thunder roared Weigh Hey Ya! And the cap'n called up ev'ry man aboard Weigh Hey Ya! The wind threw the fore-mast to the sky Weigh Hey Ya! And the mizzen followed soon behind Weigh Hey Ya! 'Twas a ship of the line, sailed proud and true Weigh Hey Ya! Of the fate of her sailors, no one knew Weigh Hey Ya! Clear Away the Track - Capstan Shanty A capstan shanty is used when weighing anchor; this is done by winding the anchor rope around a giant winch, usually turned by sailors walking around it. This results in a smoother call and response, and usually full choruses in addition to several verses. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to sail aboard the Vagabond mentioned in this song, which was understandably a favorite amongst its crew (it's where I learned it). Curiously, none aboard could say who "Liza Lee" was, or if she ever existed. Oh, the smartest packet that you can find A hey, a ho, are you most done Is the old Vagabond of the Tonberry Line Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus: (To me) Hey rig-a-jig in a chocobo cart A hey, a ho, are you most done Liza Lee all on my knee So clear away the track and let the bulgine run Oh, the old Vagabond of the Tonberry Line A hey, a ho, are you most done She's never a day behind her time Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus When we've stowed our freight at the Ferry Pier A hey, a ho, are you most done It's home to Limsa then we'll steer Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus And once we're back in Limsa-Town A hey, a ho, are you most done I'll stand ye whiskeys all around Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus Well in Limsa-Town them girls hang 'round A hey, a ho, are you most done And it's there my Liza will be found Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus When I come home from across the sea A hey, a ho, are you most done Oh, Liza will you marry me? Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus I'll stay with you upon the shore A hey, a ho, are you most done And it's back to the sea no more will go Ho! Clear away the track and let the bulgine run Chorus Link to comment
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