Sam’s Gone Away

Believed by many to not be a traditional song ‘Sam’s gone away’ is a traditional song sung by Barouallie whalers from St Vincent on the Windward Islands. The wonderful shanty singer and collector Johnny Collins met Edgar Mulraine, a Barouallie whaler, at a festival in Workum, Holland in October 2003. Edgar first heard "Sam Gone Away" back in the 1940’s when he began whaling as a young man. His father had been a harpooner and one of the first whalers in Barrouallie. Mulraine found the work hard, and sometimes dangerous. His experiences included long hot days rowing, severe squalls, and having the boat stove in by a sperm whale. He was a strong Christian, but also a proud ambassador for his cultural heritage. A good web site to visit for background info on the Barouallie whalers is:- www.barrwhalers.org

Sam’s Gone Away


Oh I wish I was the Cabin Boy on board a man of war, Whoo!
Sam’s gone away on board a man of war,
Oh I wish I was the Cabin Boy on board a man of war, Whoo!
Sam’s gone away on board a man of war.
 
Pretty work brave boys, pretty work I say
Sam’s gone away on board a man of war
Pretty work brave boys, pretty work I say
Sam’s gone away on board a man of war
 
Oh I wish I was the Coxun on board a man of war, Whoo!
 
Oh I wish I was the Bosun on board a man of war, Whoo!
 
Oh I wish I was the Saw Bones on board a man of war, Whoo!
 
Oh I wish I was the First Mate on board a man of war, Whoo!
 
Oh I wish I was the Cook on board a man of war, Whoo!
 
Oh I wish I was the Cracker Hash on board a man of war, Whoo!
 
Oh I wish I was the Shanty Man on board a man of war, Whoo!