Old Zeb
I'm not tired of the wind, I'm not weary with the sea
but they've probably had a bellyfull of a damned old coot like me
So I'm goin' ashore, and she's bound for better days,
But I'll see her topsail flyin' when she come down off her stays.
Chorus
Oh, Rosie, get my Sunday shoes, Gertie get my walking cane,
We'll take another walk to see old Alice sail again.
If I had a nickel for every man I used to know
Who could load three cord of wood aboard in half an hour or so,
Who could get on sail by haulin', instead of donkeyin' around,
Well I'd be the poorest coasterman this side of Edgartown.
Any fool can run an engine, it takes brains to work a sail,
And I've never seen no steamer get much good out of a gale.
You can go and pay your taxes, for the rationed gas you get,
But least for me the wind is free, and they haven't run out yet
If I ever get back to her, you know I'd treat her just the same,
I'd drive when I want to I'd sail in the freezing rain.
I'd park old Alice on the beach, and go dancin' into town,
for a man who's born for hangin' ain't likely to get drowned
Our Shanty Group
to the Tune of High Barbary
(words by Eldenath S. de Vilya)
Oh, Burt, he is the Captain of our valiant company
Resp: Sing low, sing high, and try to stay on key
His first mate, Di's voice, sweet and high, reflects her jollity
Resp: Meeting once a month for songs of the Sea
Yes, we have many regulars, who know their songs by heart
And now and then some newbies, who are quick to learn their part
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In winter months we huddle warm behind Mercato's door
But we long for spring and sunshine to return to Boston's shore
Some leave as must and then return, some truly do depart
But even when they're far from us we hold them in our heart
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So come and join our Shanty Group, and bring a lusty song
Or, if you'd rather listen, you don't have to sing along
Last Resp: With those of us who love to sing the songs of the Sea
For the tune only