Digital Tradition Mirror

Get that Boat

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Get that Boat

Get that boat! my lucky little driver
Get that boat, get that boat, I say.
We've heard them say they would make us divers
Get that boat, get that boat, I say.
     Skin them alive, hang the carcass on the fence,
     Don't stop for naught, no matter what expense;
     Pound them on the back, till they lay over,
     Pass, pass them, get that boat, I say.

We must get that boat, follow them no longer
Get that boat, get that boat, I say.
They've said enough and their boat grows stronger
Pass that boat, get that boat, I say.
     Yes, we are ready for whatever may come
     We're not slow-plugs, can catch them on the run
     Get that boat! My jolly little driver
     Get that boat, get that boat, I say.

Get that boat, we must get past and slip her,
Get that boat, get that boat, I say.
Take her antlers and give to our skipper,
Pass that boat, get that boat, I say.
     She is pretty fast, but faster we can go
     Crowd them in, if they won't lay over, Joe!
     Get that boat, for the whole crew is with you,
     Get that boat, get that boat, I say.

Get that boat! We will teach a lesson,
Get that boat, get that boat, I say.
We'll send her below with all our blessings
Get that boat, get that boat, I say.
     They're poking along, we're tired of it, too
     And, if we must, will polish up the crew;
     So crash her, boys., if she won't lay over!
     Get that boat, get that boat, I say.

Collected from Pearl Nye. According to Mr Nye, there would often
be a solid string of boats for two miles aproaching a canal
station. Crews, eager to get their loads weighed so they could
continue on their run would attempt to pass other boats even if
they had to tip them over to do so. This song is to be sung in a
"rough boisterous style".

It's the only set of words I've ever heard to Pigtown Fling (or
Warm Stuff or Wake Up, Jacob). RG
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!