The french Privateer - Lyrics

StefPo

Here is another maritime themed Song. For this one, I don't have the melody down yet. I imagine something like "the wellermen", or some of the songs by "The Longest Johns" or "The Ballina Whalers", definitely for several voices. Maybe someone has an idea for me and likes to collaborate...

The french Privateer

by sporty

Rouse up, rouse up, to quarters we beat,

get up you boys from your lousy sleep

The watchman up in the lookout high

he spotted the French, but we shall not die

The fog has hidden her sails from our sight

But the eyes and good scope of the man in the height

He saw her hull with her cannons in load

Make sure that our weapons are first to explode

(Refrain)

haul away, haul away this mighty ship

Let’s not make this her final trip

take the helm, take the helm and begin to steer

cause we will bring down this French privateer

All stations be manned to rain fire and lead

Bring her alongside, our blood may be shed

But brave will we be and fear we will not

As long as our ship will have the last shot

Now run up our colors, stand tall on the deck

We’ll keep on shooting until she's a wreck

but don't shoot too hasty, she’s not close at range

we’ll warm up our cannons if this is to change

(Refrain)

Hold steady now lads, courage to be shown

We will target her midship until it is blown

Bring the wounded aside, make sure they get help

fill our holes with Oakum and maybe with kelp

Now this ship by far is the best you will serve

And we will be lucky if you have the nerve

Let our galleon figure by our shining star

for this brave big o’l Man-o-war

(Refrain)

Our banner flies high, our Cannons aim low

We’ll bring down hell to her from stern to bow

With God and faith and King George on our side

We’ll soon board this ship and turn the tide

with cadence and rhythm and fine gunnery

We’ll take her down, wherever she’ll be

We’ll fire a broadside, again and again

tomorrow this time we’ll drink French champagne

(Refrain)

ReneAsologuitar

Hi @StefPo ,

A very patriotic set of lyrics, and I can appreciate the military value in this song.

I can imagine a motivating and high spirit march going on.

Thanks for this inspiring words.

Rene

StefPo

Ja, something like a march was in my mind too. Accompanied by a snare drum, 3 or 4 voices singing rather fast than slow. Typical instruments of that time, wish i could play them all...:-)

This is exiting...I'll try to put this together...thx Rene

RainyDayMan

Very good. Great stirring tale, and should fit the style you described very well indeed.

Just a couple of thoughts for you to consider or dismiss

"... this mighty ship" I wonder if "... O mighty ship" might work there, especially when sung

"Let’s not make this her final trip" that line feels short compared to the rest (though it's always dangerous to make such statements without hearing it first). But you might consider something like: "Haul away boys or it's our final trip"

I like that you have "French Privateer" as the final words of the Refrain/Chorus. It carries the most weight, and will help people remember the title.

It's a good lyric!

StefPo

https://www.thesongwritersforum.com/vanilla/discussion/comment/614#Comment_614

Ja, you are right, I'll change that. I really like "O mighty ship!

And i changed the final trip-line into "haul away me boys or it’s our final trip.

This makes the whole refrain sound better. thx for the input, Owen...:-)