Baz Chapman

Traditional (from lyrics allegedly by Charles Mackay)​

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Arranged by Baz Chapman

 

An upbeat traditional shanty, which has existed in many forms. The lyrics for this version were allegedly from a poem by Charles Mackay, written at sea in 1858, although the original destination (New England) has been replaced with Caledonia/Scotland.

 

Up aloft, amid the riggin'

Swiftly blows the favouring gale,

Strong as springtime in its blossom,

Filling out each bending sail.

And the waves we leave behind us

Seem to murmur as they rise,

"We have tarried here to bear you

To the land you dearly prize"

 

Rollin' Home, Rollin' Home,

Rollin' Home across the sea,

Rollin' Home to Caledonia,

Rollin' Home, dear land, to thee.

 

Takes all hands to man the capstan,

Mister see your cables clear!

We are sailin' homeward bound, sir,

For the channel you will steer.

See your sheets and clew lines free sir,

All your bluntlines over hauled;

Are the sheerpoles and gear all ready?

Soon for Scotland we will steer.

 

Full ten thousand miles behind us,

And a thousand miles before,

Ancient ocean waves to bear us

To the well remembered shore.

New born breezes swell to send us

To our childhood-welcome skies,

To the glow of friendly faces

And the glance of lovin' eyes.

 

Available for Soprano, Alto, Baritone (SAB); Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass (SATB); and Soprano, Soprano, Alto (SSA) - all with piano accompaniment.