| Version 1 Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
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| According to Stan Hugill, this is a famous tack and sheet shanty. Because of the many verses (he lists 20) he believes it may have been used as a halyard song (sheet shanties were usually no longer than three or four verses). Sometimes the word "pull" or "haul" was used instead of Joe.
The words and tune here are from Burl Ives. According to Eloise Linscott although the shanty was known earlier among British sailors, it was not well-known on Yankee ships until the period between 1812 and the Civil War. There is another version of Haul Away, Joe! (2) |
When I was a little lad And so my mother told me, Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe, That if I did not kiss a gal My lips would grow all moldy, Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe. Way, haul away, we'll haul for better weather, Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe. King Louis was the King of France Before the Revolution, Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe, King Louis got his head cut off Which spoiled his constitution. Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe. Way, haul away, we'll haul for better weather, Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe. Oh the cook is in the galley Making duff so handy Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe, And the captain's in his cabin Drinkin' wine and brandy Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe. Way, haul away, we'll haul for better weather, Way, haul away, we'll haul away Joe. |
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| From
The Burl Ives Song Book and Shanties from the Seven Seas See Bibliography for full information. And Digital Tradition |
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