From The Shanty Crew, Stand To Yer Ground

They say life has its ups and downs That really now is quite profound I'd like to push the capstan round But it's pump me boys before we drown.
ChorusPump me boys, pump 'er dry Down to hell and up to the sky Bend your back and break your bones We're just a thousand miles from home.
The ocean we all do adore So come on lads let's pump some more Don't worry if you're stiff and sore I'm sure we've pumped this bit before. The captain's daughter, I suppose Could be called an English Rose What would you think when I propose The pox she gave to me a dose. This Rose well she did prick me sore, I've never felt so bad before Thanks to the girl I do adore I thought I'd never pump no more. I called the doctor right away To find out what he had to say "That's two pounds ten - get on your way" I'm sure the girl is in his pay. Sometimes when I am in me bed And thinking of me day ahead I wish that I could wake up dead But pumping's all I get instead. Yes, how I wish that I could die The swine who built this tub to find I'd drag him back from where he fries To pump until the beggar's dry. If Noah used him for his ark Oh wouldn't that have been a lark? From rising sun 'til getting dark The animals all hard at work (singin') There's so much water down below Just how it got there I don't know The old man says, "Let's roll and go" But I think we're bound for Davy Jones.

This song is a modern rendition of a pump shanty, to be used for emptying the inevitable flow of water into a leaking ship. The monotonous work was inglorious but vital for the survival of the ship! A good ship and crew could move up to a ton of water per minute.

Chain Pump Illustration

The song was written by Tony Goodenough of The Shanty Crew and first appeared on the 1989 album Stand To Yer Ground. Many listeners are surprised to learn it was written so recently.