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Shanghai Brown

from The Ties That Bind by Mawkin

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Shanghai Brown (Trad arr Mawkin)
We like to think of this as an 'Anti-Shanty' - one of the few songs that tells the listener to stay at home with your wife- no gallivanting around the world shagging young pretty maidens for this sailor!

lyrics

When first I went to Tilbury boys, I went upon a spree,
My hard earned cash I spent it fast, I got drunk as drunk could be,
Before me money was all gone, or spent on some old whore,
I made up me mind and was well inclined to go to sea no more.

Chorus:
No more, no more, to go to sea no more,
I made up me mind, I was well inclined to go to sea no more.

That night I lay with Annie Brown too drunk to roll in bed,
My clothes were new my money was too, in the morning with them she fled.
Feeling sick I left the house and went down to the shore.
There I went my head all bent and the crimps at me did roar.

The first man I ran afoul of was Mr. Shanghai Brown.
Well I asked him neat if he'd stand the treat, he looked me up and down.
He said "The last time yer was paid off you chalked me up no score.
But I'll gives you a chance and I'll pay your advance, and send you to sea once more."

CHORUS

They shipped me aboard a whaling ship bound for the Arctic Sea.
Where the cold winds blow and the ice and snow would make Jamaica rum freeze.
I had no clothes I had no gear, mY money spent on a whore,
It was there I swore that when on shore I'd go to sea no more.

CHORUS

So come all you crazy sailor lads and listen to my song.
If you listen to me I'll tell to you and let you know what went wrong.
Take my advice don't drink strong rum nor go drinking with no whore.
Get married instead and spend all night in bed and go to sea no more.

CHORUS

credits

from The Ties That Bind, released July 20, 2015

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Mawkin London, UK

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

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