Blow the Man Down (I)

Come all you young fellers that follow the sea
To me weigh, hey, blow the man down!
Now please pay attention and listen to me
Give me some time to blow the man down

I'm a deep water sailor just in from Hong Kong
If you give me some whiskey 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 you sides laughing at sights that you'd 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 if you sprawl,
For Kicking Jack Rogers commands the Black Ball!"

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