This work song originated among the African American stevedores (manual laborer who is involved in loading and unloading ships) working in the Georgia Sea Islands. (source)

Lyrics

Refrain
Pay me, Oh pay me,
Pay me my money down.
Pay me or go to jail,
Pay me my money down.

1. I thought I heard the Captain say,
Pay me my money down,
Tomorrow is our sailing day,
Pay me my money down Refrain

2. As soon as the boat was clear of the bar,
Pay me my money down,
The captain knocked me down with a spar,
Pay me my money down. Refrain

Links

• more songs with syncopation
• more recorder DEF#GAB songs
• more songs about boats & ships
• more songs from the Southeastern states (U.S.)
• more songs with Orff arrangements
• more songs with mi, re, do
• more songs with chords I V
• video – Bruce Springsteen
  

The following content is available below to Plus Members:

• PDF includes:
  • Song with chords
  • Orff arrangement with syncopated part
• MIDI file
• MP3