Classic Poem

Come all you young fellows who follow the sea:
Now please pay attention and listen to me:
Chorus

To me weigh, heigh, blow the man down,
Give me some time to blow the man down.

I'm a deep water sailor, just come from Hong Kong;
If you give me some whisky I'll sing you a song.

On a trim Black Ball Liner I first served my time;
On a trim Black Ball Liner I wasted my prime.

When a big Black Ball Liner's preparing for sea
You'd split your sides laughing, such sights you would see.

Here's a big Black Ball clipper just leaving her dock,
While the boys and the girls on the pierhead do flock.

There are tinkers and tailors, shoemakers and all,
For you'll seldom find sailors aboard the Black Ball.

Now when a Black Baller gets clear of the land
Our bosun soon roars out the word of command.

"Come quickly, lay aft 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.

" 'Tis larboard and starboard, on deck you will sprawl,
For kicking Jack Rogers commands the Black Ball.'

(Spoken) Belay.