Heave Away my Johnny

Hugill gives three versions of this, one of which bears a slight resemblance to ours! He describes it as a “brake-windlass shanty” and describes the movements needed to work it. He says that the shanties needed for this kind of work were usually in 2/4 or 6/8 time, as opposed to latter day capstan songs often in 4/4 time. The version nearest ours is said to come from the latter days of sail.

Heave away my Johnny

 
There's some that's bound for New York town
and some that's bound for France
Heave away me Johnny, heave away
And some that's bound for the Bengal Bay
To teach them whales a dance
Heave away me Johnny boy, we're all bound to go

The pilot he is awaiting for
The turning of the tide
Heave away me Johnny, heave away
And then me boys we'll be gone again
With the good and westerly wind
Heave away me Johnny boy, we're all bound to go

Farewell to you, you Kingston girls
Farewell St Andrews dock
Heave away me Johnny, heave away
If ever we'll return again
We'll make your cradles rock
Heave away me Johnny boy, we're all bound to go
 
Come all you hard working sailor lads
Who round the cape of storms
Heave away me Johnny, heave away
Be sure your boots and oilskins
Or you'll wish you never was born
Heave away me Johnny boy, we're all bound to go

There's some that's bound for New York town
and some that's bound for France
Heave away me Johnny, heave away
And some that's bound for the Bengal Bay
To teach them whales to dance
Heave away me Johnny boy, we're all bound to go