| Play/Download Music File John Renfro Davis c |
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| Grog was a mixture of rum and water. It was served as a ration in the United States Navy until September 1, 1862, and in the Royal Navy until 1970.
Can of Grog was printed on broadsides, one of which appeared in Edinburgh Musical Miscellany (1792).* This version was sung on the whaling ship Ann in 1772.** It doubtless dates earlier. For other songs about grog see The Contemplator's Short History of Grog. |
When up the shrouds the sailor goes And ventures on the yard The landsman who no better know Believe his lot is hard Bold Jack with smiles each danger meets Weighs anchor heaves the log Trims all the sails belays his sheets And drinks his can of grog If to engage they give the word To quarters he'll repair Now winding in the dismal flood Now quivering in the air When waves 'gainst rocks to rend and roar You'll n'er hear him repine Though he's on Greenland's icy shore Or burning beneath the line When sailing orders to arrive Bold Jack he takes his leave My dear sweetest Pol he cries I pray now do not grieve Thy Jack will take his daily can Of grog and drink to thee In hopes that thou will n'er forget Thy sailor who's at sea But should thou false or fickle prove To Jack who loves thee dear No more upon my native shore Can I with joy appear But restless as the briny main Must heartless heave the log Shall trim the sails and try to drown My sorrow in cans of grog |
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| From **Songs the Whaleman Sang See Bibliography for full information. Also from *Steve Roud's Broadside Ballad Index |
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