Version 1
Info
This sea shanty dates back to the 16th century. The term “bowline” (rope) has not been in common use since the late 16th / early 17th century. Sailors would coordinate the pulling of the rope together as they sang. (source: Locke)
Lyrics
(Sea shanty)
Haul on the bowlin’, the bully* ship’s a-rolling,
Refrain
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowlin’, Kitty is me darlin’. Refrain
Haul on the bowlin’, Kitty comes from Liverpool. Refrain
Haul on the bowlin’ so early in the mornin’. Refrain
Haul on the bowlin’, the old man’s a-growlin’. Refrain
Haul on the bowlin’, it’s a far cry to payday. Refrain
*very good
Version 2
Lyrics
(Sea shanty)
Haul on the bowlin’,
our bully ship’s a-rollin’,
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowlin’,
our captain, he’s a growlin’,
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
See also
- Country: US
- Type: sea shanty
- Form: AB
- Harmony: I, IV, V
- Meter: 2 (version 1) / 6/8 (version 2) / mixed
- Scale: hexatonic
- Tones: m,s,l,t,dr
- Sources: Version 1 – Sail Away: 155 American Folk Songs to sing, read, and play, Eleanor G. Locke, 1981 / Version 2 – Book of a Thousand Songs, Albert Ernest Wier, 1918
YouTube
or purchase here (printables only)
- 2/4 and 6/8 Notation Handout
- PDF of song with chords + Lesson ideas
- MIDI file
- Listen to the melody
