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The Essex

Written by Robert Boddington

A completely innacurate shanty about The Essex, the ship that was hit by a whale and inspired the story of Moby Dick. Inspired by the absolute insanity of deciding to take on a living battering ram in a wooden boat.

LYRICS

00:00 / 01:04

CHORUS

Oh no, sir, don't you know, sir, t's a whaler you're in

The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in

We'll challenge the reefs and we'll weather the gales

The Essex will go out in search of the whales


Now sea lad, now sea lad
Yes what is it, sir?
Where am I? I seem to smell salt in the air
There’s a creaking and groaning coming from the floor
And outside I can hear a watery roar


CHORUS


Now sea lad, now sea lad
Yes what is it, sir?
There’s been a mistake, how’d I end up in here?
Last night I was raucous, the street was my bed
Perhaps I drank too much and now I am dead?


CHORUS


Now sea lad, now sea lad
Yes what is it, sir?
There isn’t a chance you’ve a rowboat to spare?
I’ve been on this ship for a month now, I think
I need to go home, I’m in need of a drink


CHORUS


Now sea lad, now sea lad
Yes what is it, sir?
There’s a whale all approaching so let us prepare
To turn tale and run for that whale sure is large
This ship would be splinters if it were to charge


CHORUS


Now sea lad, now sea lad
Yes what is it, sir?
I think I was right, the whale was coming here
I heard a great crash and we’re on a decline
My feet are all wet and that’s not a good sign


CHORUS


Now sea lad, now sea lad
Yes what is it, sir?
Perhaps all this blue means we’re underwater
I think we are drowning, I think we are through
I think it’s the end of the fine Essex crew


CHORUS x 2

Tags:

Modern, Ships/Sailing, Sinking, Whales, Sea Shanty

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We acknowledge the Gadigal and Bidjigal people of the Eora nation, upon whose lands we gather and sing.
We acknowledge sovereignty was never ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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Numerous photos by Nick Ryden 

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