🎶 “Down on the Old Quayside”

An original shanty in a Norfolk/Suffolk manner

(Chorus) Heave away, bor, heave away now, Heave away down the old quayside. Voices ringin’, gulls all singin’, Heave away with the tide.

Verse 1 Old Fred’s up early sweepin’ round the door, Says he’s heard the forecast, “Gonna blow for sure.” But he’s hummin’ a tune as the boats glide by, And he’ll sing it louder when the sun gets high. (Chorus) Heave away, bor, heave away now…

Verse 2 Mary from the shop’s got her apron on, Says she’s baked a batch o’ buns before the dawn. She hands ’em out warm with a wink and a grin, “Mind yew don’t drop crumbs or the gulls’ll move in.” (Chorus) Heave away, bor, heave away now… Verse 3 Young Tom’s on the quay with his old guitar, Strummin’ out a rhythm heard from near and far. Folks gather ’round as the tune takes flight, And the whole crew joins in by the fall o’ night. (Chorus) Heave away, bor, heave away now…

Verse 4 When the tide rolls out and the day grows thin, They’ll still be singin’ where the boats come in. For a shanty shared is a joy well found, And it echoes kindly all the coastline round. (Final Chorus) Heave away, bor, heave away now, Heave away down the old quayside. Voices ringin’, hearts all swingin’, Heave away with the tide.