Grace Anderson [The Sailor’s way] SA1974.07.2
There are many different versions of this song: other titles are Around the world and back again; Homeward bound; and Across the Line. The best known version perhaps is the one sung by shanty-singer Stan Hugill. Grace could not remember much of this song. Roud Index no. 8239.
Goodbye Molly dear, it’s hard to part with you,
But if I should sail the salt sea o’er I’ll never prove untrue.
If I should sail the salt sea over from Cape Horn to Table Bay,
Round the world and home again for that’s the sailor’s way.
We traded with the Yankees, Brazilians and Chinese
We’ve slept with dusky beauties in the shade of tall pine trees,
[I crossed the Line] and Gulf Stream around by Table Bay,
Round the world and home again for that’s the sailor’s way.
Goodbye Molly dear, it’s hard to part with you
But if I should sail the salt sea o’er I’ll never prove untrue.
If I should sail the salt sea over, round Cape Horn to Table Bay,
Round the world and home again for that’s the sailor’s way.
As we ship for England boys and shake out every sail,
Brightly leaps the…?. ..and merry sings the gale…
“I don’t think that’s right