Cruel - Kate Rusby

Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me

Cruel was the pressgang that took him to the sea

Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand

And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land

Haul away, boys, haul away

Haul away, boys, haul away

Cruel was the water, that ship it sailed upon

Cruel was the fair wind, for now my loves he’s gone

Had you blown a roaring gale they’d have left him on dry land

Where he would walk besides me and I would hold his hand

Haul away boys, haul away

Haul away boys, haul away

The ring beneath my pillow, is the ring he gave to me

I’ll wear it on my finger, for all the world to see

But cruel was the captain, the bo’sun, and the men

For they didn’t give a farthing if I saw my love again

Haul away, boys, haul away

Haul away boys, haul away

Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me

Cruel was the pressgang that took him to the sea

Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand

And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land

Haul away, boys, haul away

Haul away, boys, haul away