The Greenland Whale Fishery Lyrics

In 1824, March the 23rd

We raised the colours to the masthead, to Greenland we bear away

John Paigent was our captain's name, our ship the Lion bold

We weighed the anchor at the bow, to face the storm and cold

We were twelve gallant men on board, and to the north did steer

Old England we left in our wake, we sailors knew no fear

Our boatswain to the masthead went, with spyglass in his hand

He cried a whale, a whale fish blow, she blows at every span

Our captain on the quarter deck, a violent man was he

He swore the devil would take us all, if that fish was lost to we

Our captain on the quarter deck, a violent man was he

Overhaul, overhaul he loudly cried, and launch our boat to sea

Our boat being launched and all hands in, the whale was full in view

Resolved were we sailors bold, to steer where the whale fish blew

The whale was struck, the line paid out, she gave a flash with her tail

Our boat capsized, we lost five men, we never caught that whale

Bad news we to the captain brought

We lost five Prentice boys, down the colours he did haul

At hearing this sad news

The losing of the whale he said

Doth grieve my heart full sore, the losing of my five brave boys

Doth grieve me ten times more

The winter star doth now appear, so sailors the anchor weigh

'Tis time we left this cold country, to England we bear away

Oh Greenland is a barren place, a land where grows no green

But ice and snow where the whale fish blow, and sunlight's seldom seen