Wreckers On The Shore (Anon arr Mawkin)
A ship wreckers song, false lights and a rocky shore. Originally transcribed from an old letter from Dr Benjamin Strobel - a notorious Floridian who liked an adventure - this song dates back to 1830 and originally was set in Florida.
lyrics
Come all you salt-sea salvagers,
Come listen to my song,
A few remarks I have to make,
I won't detain you long,
Here's to our vessel, stout and good,
As ever yet was made of wood;
Amongst the reefs where the breakers roar,
We're wreckers on the shore.
refrain:
Amongst the reefs where the breakers roar,
We're wreckers on the Cornish shore
Post Isaac is our rendezvous,
At anchor there we lie,
And watch the vessels in the Bay,
Carelessly passing by,
When night comes on we dance and sing,
While the currents draw some vessel in,
When daylights comes, the ships on shore
Amongst the reefs where the breakers roar.
When daylight dawns we're on the way
And every sail is set,
And if the wind it should prove light,
Why then our sails we'll wet;
To gain her first, each wrecker strives,
To save the cargo and the lives;
Amongst the reefs where the breakers roar,
We're wreckers on the shore.
REFRAIN
When we get 'longside she's been bilged,
We know just what to do,
Save the cargo that we can,
The sails and rigging too;
Then down to Falmouth we shall go
Where the salvagers will set our fee,
When everything is fairly sold,
We'll fill our hands with gold.
Then one week's cruise we'll have on shore,
Until we sail again,
And drink success to the sailor lads,
Who plough upon the main.
Now if you plan to pass this way,
On these shores should you chance to stray,
We'll welcome you upon the shore,
Amongst the reefs where the breakers roar.
Folk rebels, Mawkin, fresh off the back of the three-times-BBC-Folk -Award nominated collaboration Mawkin:Causley, are now
forging a bold new sound that strengthens their instrumental roots and embraces a new, exuberant exploration into the traditional folk canon....more
Three of the most talented folk/roots/acoustic artists currently at the very top of their game. Spoiler alert; is Spanish Lady actually about Catherine of Aragon or have I been reading too much Hilary Mantel? ***** bass_campdelta
Good example of why I like your music. Never frightened to adapt a traditional piece and to breathe new life into it, without taking away from the essence of the original. Inventive to the point of sheer brilliance! Long may it continue! renteddrumkit
Singer-songwriter Henry Parker puts his own spin on the classic sounds of '60s and '70s British folk on this wilderness-inspired new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2021