MORLAIX BRIDGE

Lead: Peter
Chorus: Richard, Dick Holdstock, Denis Franklin, and Shay Black

A hauling chantey from Brittany, found in Stan Hugill's Songs of the Seas.

LYRICS:

A-crossing Morlaix Bridge today
Chorus: Haul away, old fellow away
I met sweet Helen on my way
Chorus: Haul away, old fellow away

I touched my cap the sailor's way
She smiled as bright as summer's day

Her smiles she gives – and well she may
For she's a lady, rich and gay

Her father draws a captain's pay
Poor sailor's girl she'll never be

For us, the whores that walk the street
Who lie and steal, and make you kill

I've gone adrift, cast all away
My grave will be the open sea

My eyes are misty with the spray
Drink to her beauty, boys, I say

Drink up, my lads, we're on our way
We're hoisting sail – and we don't pay