Blow The Man Down
(Traditional)
Performer(s): The Almanac Singers
and various other artists



Come all ye young fellows that follow the sea
to my way hay, blow the man down
And pray pay attention and listen to me
Give me some time to blow the man down

I'm a deep water sailor just in from Hong Kong
to my way hay, blow the man down
if you'll give me some grog, I'll sing you a song
Give me some time to blow the man down

'Twas on a Black Baller I first served my time
to my way hay, blow the man down
And on that Black Baller I wasted my prime
Give me some time to blow the man down

'Tis when a Black Baller's preparing for sea
to my way hay, blow the man down
You'd split your sides laughing at the sites that you see
Give me some time to blow the man down

With the tinkers and tailors and soljers and all
to my way hay, blow the man down
That ship for prime seaman on board a Black Ball
Give me some time to blow the man down

'Tis when a Black Baller is clear of the land
to my way hay, blow the man down
Our Boatswain then gives us the word of command
Give me some time to blow the man down

"Lay aft," is the cry, "to the break of the Poop!
to my way hay, blow the man down
Or I'll help you along with the toe of my boot!"
Give me some time to blow the man down

'Tis larboard and starboard on the deck you will sprawl
to my way hay, blow the man down
For "Kicking Jack" Williams commands the Black Ball
Give me some time to blow the man down

Pay attention to order, now you one and all
to my way hay, blow the man down
For right there above you flies the Black Ball
Give me some time to blow the man down