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COME, LOOSE EVERY SAIL TO THE BREEZE Lead: Richard Chorus: Peter Kasin and Walter Askew

LYRICS:

Come, loose every sail to the breeze
The course of my vessel improve
I've done with the toils of the sea
Ye sailors, I'm bound to my love

Chorus:
Ye sailors, I'm bound to my love
Ye sailors, I'm bound to my love
I have done with the toils of the sea
Ye sailors, I'm bound to my love

Since Emma is true as she's fair
My griefs I will fling all to the wind
'Tis a pleasing return to my care
My mistress is constant and kind

My sails are all filled to my dear
What tropic bird swifter can move?
Who, cruel, shall hold to his career
That returns to the nest of his love

Then hoist every sail to the breeze
Come, shipmates, and join in the song
Let's drink while the ship sails the seas
To the gale that my drive her along

NOTES:

This is a sentimental old-fashioned song of considerable antiquity favored by sailors. A version can be found in the Roxburgh Ballads Collection, according to Captain W.B. Whall in his book Sea Songs and Shanties. According to the Contemplator website there are also versions in 1) numerous broadside collections, 2) the Cyclopedia of Popular Songs (c. 1835) and the Universal Songster, 3). In Spicer's Pocket Companion (1797) as Homeward Bound, 4) in the log of the ship Joseph Francis (1795) although without a chorus, and 5) in a collection of Charles' Dibdin's work (1841) (in this instance with verses written by Thomas Arne).