Scupper Shanty - Abney Park

The watchman slipped too early in my cabin

«Roust the crew;

there’s something up ahead.»

So I slipped into the misty morning

«Bring your swords,» I whispered to my men

Hold your head up!

Keep your head up!

Hold your sword up!

Fight!

fight!

fight!

When you sleep, keep one eye open

Know your friends but watch them tight!

Through the mists I vaguely saw the ships

A dozen strong;

too strong to turn and fight

I saw the coastline where she shouldn’t be

Some sailor changed our position in the night

Hold your head up!

Keep your head up!

Hold your sword up!

Fight!

fight!

fight!

When you sleep, keep one eye open

Know your friends but watch them tight!

I hope I loaded my gun;

I know I’m loaded with rum

My fear is low but I ought to know that the world is full of scum

I hope I loaded my gun;

I know I’m loaded with rum

My fear is low but I ought to know that the world is full of scum

The pilot’s gone, slipped silent from his post

All that’s left a note pinned to the wheel

«Took the catboat;

took some crew

I took some gold;

I’m sure that you can heal.»

Hold your head up!

Keep your head up!

Hold your sword up!

Fight!

fight!

fight!

When you sleep, keep one eye open

Know your friends but watch them tight!

Hold your head up!

Keep your head up!

Hold your sword up!

Fight!

fight!

fight!

When you sleep, keep one eye open

Know your friends but watch them tight!

I hope I loaded my gun;

I know I’m loaded with rum

My fear is low but I ought to know that the world is full of scum

I hope I loaded my gun;

I know I’m loaded with rum

My fear is low but I ought to know that the world is full of scum