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