paroles de chanson La Pique - The Longest Johns

It's of a flash frigate, La Pique was her name
All in the West Indies she bore a great fame
For cruel bad usage of every degree
Like slaves in the galley we ploughed the salt sea

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down

Now at four in the morning our work does begin
In our 'tween decks and cockpit a bucket might swim
Our main and top foremen so loudly do bawl
For sand and for holystone both great and small

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down

Our decks being washed down and swabbеd up quite dry
It's, "Lash up your hammocks" our boatswain does cry
Seven turns with a lashing so neatly must show
And all of one size through a loop they must go

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down

Now, Mister McKeever, you knows him quite well
He comes up on deck and he cuts a great swell
"It's up on them yards boys, or goddamn your eyes
I've a pump handle here that'll soon trim your size!"

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down

And now, me brave boys, comes the best of the fun
It's hands about ship and reef top sails in one
It's lay aloft, topmen, and the hell-um goes down
And clew down your top sails as the mainyard comes 'round

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down

Now your quids of tobacco I'd have you to mind
If you spits upon deck it's your death warrant signed
If you spits over bow, over gangway or stern
You're sure of three dozen to help you to learn

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down

So now, brother sailors, wherever you be
From all fancy frigates I'd have you keep free
For they'll haze you and work you till you ain't worth a damn
And send you half dead to your dear native land

Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down, down, down
Derry down