Blow the Man Down
This is a 19th century sea shanty. Many versions of it exist. "Blow the man down" literally means hit him with your fist and knock him down. Hey, life on a ship in the 1800's was rough!
Blow the Man Down
Sea Shanty
Come all ya young fellers that follow the sea,
With a yo ho! Blow the man down,
Now just pay attention and listen to me,
Give me some time to blow the man down.
Aboard the Black Baller* I first served my time,
With a yo ho! Blow the man down,
But on the Black Baller I wasted my time,
Give me some time to blow the man down.
We'd tinkers and tailors and sailors and all
With a yo ho! Blow the man down,
That sailed for good seaman aboard the Black Ball.
Give me some time to blow the man down.
'Tis larboard and starboard, on the deck you will crawl,
With a yo ho! Blow the man down,
For Kicking Jack Williams commands the Black Ball.
Give me some time to blow the man down.
Now when the Black Baller's preparin' for sea
With a yo ho! Blow the man down,
You'd bust your sides laughin' at the sights that you see.
Give me some time to blow the man down.
But when the Black Baller is clear of the land,
With a yo ho! Blow the man down.
Old Kicking Jack Williams gives ev'ry command
Give me some time to blow the man down.
Notes
*According to "The Songs We Sang", the Black Ball ship line went from Boston, to New York to Philadelphia, to Liverpool, England from 1816 to 1878.
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