Story Behind The Song

Traditional song in the vein of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

Song Description

A rousing song-story about being broke, sailing, drinking and more sailing.

Lyrics

Paddy Lay Back

T'was it a cold and frosty morning in December.
All of me money it was spent
Where it went to, Lord, I can't remember.
So I down to the shipping office went.

Chorus: Paddy lay back
Take in your slack
Take a turn around the capstan,
Heave a pawl!
About ship station, boys, be handy
For we're bound for Valipariso 'round the horn.

That day there was a great demand for sailors,
For the colonies for 'Frisco and for France
So I shipped onboard a liner called the "Hotspur"
And got paralytic drunk on my advance. (chorus)

Now some of the fellers were for drinkin'
Meself was heavy on the booze
So I sat there on the old sea chest a thinkin'
That I'd climb into me bunk and take a snooze. (chorus)

Well I woke up in the morning sick and sore
I knew that I was outward bound again;
When I heard a voice a callin' at the door.
"Ah, get up you buggers and answer to your name." (chorus)

So I asked the mate, which a' watch was mine-o,
He answered, sayin' I'll tell you which is which
Then he knocked me down and kicked me hard a stern-O
And he called me a lousy son-of-a gun. (chorus)

So, there I was once more again at sea, boys,
The same ol' bloody business once again
So stamp the capstan round and make some noise, boys
And sing again this dear old sweet refrain.

Chorus x 2
Add: Yes, we're bound for San Franciso 'round the Horn.