Shallow Brown

Hugill thinks this to be of West Indian origin, “Challo” being a word of Carib extraction meaning half-caste. It started life as a pumping song, but in the latter days of sail was usually sung at halyards. It was usual to start the song with the chorus.

 Shallow Brown

 Fare thee well, me Juliana
 Shallow, o shallow brown
Fare thee well, me Juliana
Shallow, o shallow brown

And I'm leaving in the morning
Just as the day was dawning
 
I've put me clothes in order
For our packet leaves tomorrow
 
Yes, our packet leaves tomorrow
And it fills me heart with sorrow
 
For I'm bound away to leave ye
But I never will deceive ye
 
Fare the well me Juliana
Fare thee well, me Juliana