John Damarey
Also known, says Hugill, as Johnny Come down the Back Stay.
With its stamp and go chorus, it was popular in American ships – though
one (unidentified) source suggests that John Damarey is actually a Polish
version. The back stays were heavily
tarred ropes holding the mast in place.
Sliding down them back to deck was a faster route than the rope ladder,
once work aloft was compete.
John Damarey
Aloft we all must go
John come down the backstay
In rain and hail and snow
John come down the backstay
John Dameray, John Damer-a-ay
John come down the backstay
John Damer-a-ay
John come down the backstay
John Dameray
Me mother's wrote to me
Please John come home from sea
Got no money and no clothes
There knocking at me doors
So me home I'll soon be in
With mother drinking gin
Of the sea I will steer clear
Make a living selling beer