CZTERY REFY - John Dameray

John Dameray

Words traditional
Music traditional: "John Dameray"

Aloft we all must go - John come down the backstay!
In hail and frost and snow. - John come down the backstay!

Me Ma she wrote to me - John come down the backstay!
Me son come home from sea. - John come down the backstay!

John Dameray, ... Get no money and no clothes - John come down the backstay!
I'm knocking out of doors. - John come down the backstay!

John Dameray, ... Me home I soon will be in - John come down the backstay!
Ans then we'll have some gin. - John come down the backstay!

John Dameray, ... From sea I will keep clear - John come down the backstay!
And live by selling beer. - John come down the backstay!

John Dameray, ...

"John Dameray" - One of less known shanties of the “stamp and go” type. Singing the words, “John Dameray” is extremely easy and these words act as exclamations, similar to “Ranzo” in other songs. The frequent repetition of “Johnny, come down the backstay” is, according to Stan Hugill, aimed at focusing attention and making room for sailors going along the deck with ropes on their shoulders. Another expert, W. M. Doerflinger, suggests that it may have a different meaning - finding the fastest way of getting from yard to board by slipping down using the backstay. The song was sung while bracing the square sails.

"John Dameray" is a Polish version of this song.