THE AUCKLAND SHANTY SINGERS Perform A Smuggler's Song

Описание: There are not many songs about smuggling - one can only presume that sitting
in the pub singing "We are three jolly smugglers all in a row" was likely to lead
to a visit from the Excise men. However, this song was published in "A Sailor's
Garland" selected and edited by John Masefield (2nd edition 1908) with
suggested "Air: White Cockade" and its origins beyond that are unknown. Jess
preferred to put the words to the traditional dance tune "Gilderoy". A bit of
geography and history - Slapton is a small village just south west of Dartmouth
in Devon. To 'run the tubs' was to unload the small barrels (tubs) of contrabrand
liquor and transport them away from the coast.


My love he is a smuggler, he sails upon the sea,
I wish I was a smuggler for to sail along with he,
For to sail upon the sea, for the brandy and the wine,
And to run the tubs at Slapton when the moon do shine.

For Hollands is a fine drink for them that feel the cold,
And brandy is a better drink for them that’s getting old,
There are lights upon the clifftop when the boats are homeward bound,
And we run the tubs at Slapton when the word goes round.

The King he is a fine man in his bright red coat,
But I do love my smuggler in his little fishing boat,
For he runs the Mallin’s Lace and he spends his money free,
And I wish I were a smuggler for to sail along with he.

For the channel is his kingdom from England down to France,
And he leads the revenue cutters, a very merry dance,
And when he comes ashore he confounds the Excise men,
And he leaves his boat safe moored and comes to me again.


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