A bit of folk song I’m working on, set in SM Stirling’s Island trilogy (time travel, alternate history). It still needs some scansioning.
#commissionearned
Adieu Alban Ladies
Farewell and adieu to you Alban ladies
Farewell and adieu to you ladies so gay
For on the next tide we strike for the Island
So this night’s the last in your arms that we’ll stay.
We’ll rant and we’ll roar like Nantucket whalers
We’ll rant and we’ll roar above and below
Until we take sight of the Sankaty Light
Then straight round the Island and homeward we’ll go.
We filled our sails full, winter wind on the sou’west,
We measured at noon, our bearings to find
Twas four weeks to voyage, if the winds stayed a-steady
So we squared our main yard and paid the weather no mind.
We’ll rant and we’ll roar like Nantucket whalers
We’ll rant and we’ll roar above and below
Until we take sight of the Sankaty Light
Then straight round the Island and homeward we’ll go.
Now let every gal drink off her full bumper
And let every tar drink off his full glass
We’ll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy
Here’s to the health of my swan-favored lass.
We’ll rant and we’ll roar like Nantucket whalers
We’ll rant and we’ll roar above and below
Until we take sight of the Sankaty Light
Then straight round the Island and homeward we’ll go.
We watched like a hawk when passing Tartessos
In case we might spy a privateer’s sails;
But then we hove west, Canaries behind us
And then made our Passage in spite of the gales.
We’ll rant and we’ll roar like Nantucket whalers
We’ll rant and we’ll roar above and below
Until we take sight of the Sankaty Light
Then straight round the Island and homeward we’ll go.
The signal is made for our good ship to anchor
All safe at the docks, that night for to lie;
So comb out your hair, tars; take your back pay
Haul out your best dainties
To the tavern we’ll fly.
We’ll rant and we’ll roar like Nantucket whalers
We’ll rant and we’ll roar above and below
Until we take sight of the Sankaty Light
Then straight round the Island and homeward we’ll go.
Now let every gal drink off her full bumper
And let every tar drink off his full glass
We’ll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy
Here’s to the health of my swan-favored lass
We’ll rant and we’ll roar like Nantucket whalers
We’ll rant and we’ll roar above and below
Until we take sight of the Sankaty Light
Then straight round the Island and homeward we’ll go.