The African Trade
(Tom Lewis)
Stamp the capstan 'round, me boys, kick up some flame and dust
For the triangle Southward we're sailin',
Never mind the trade you're in, you've got to make across
And blackbirding's easier than whalin',
Yeah, blackbirding's easier than whalin'
Now we're off the coast of Guinea, the Arab boats come out
They're loaded down with misery for cargo
Black ivory for rifles is the business we're about
In the dark of night we'll outrun the embargo,
In the dark of night we'll outrun the embargo.
CHORUS:
And the tears from the slaves made the Mersey run black
That's how our great city was made.
When you look to the future take time to look back
And remember the African trade,
Remember the African trade.
Our destination's Mobile Bay, so count on every sail
And stop your ears; don't listen to the cryin'
It's wet on deck, but hell below, so bless the ragin' gale.
The sooner we get there the fewer dyin',
Yeah, the sooner we get there the fewer dyin'.
CHORUS
There's cotton in our hold for the mills of Blankishire,
And after all, you've only done your duty.
And if your kids are hungry there's another trip next year
If the memories won't let you sleep, just take another beer,
Rollin' home to dear old Liverpool, the nightmare's reappear,
So keep your mind on England, home, and duty,
Just keep your mind on England, home, and duty.
CHORUS
Keep your mind on England, home, and duty;
Slavery makes slaves of us all....
Copyright Tom Lewis
Recorded by Tom Lewis
DS
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!