18 - Bully In the Alley

Words by Traditional
Tune by Traditional

The general consensus is that 'bully' means 'drunk' and 'spliced' means 'married'. We've added some new verses to change the relationship dynamic from dilly-dallying, and give Sally more of an active role… which she's used to initiate a pre-voyage romp.

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley
Way, hey, bully in the alley
So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley
Bully down in Shinbone Al

Sally is the girl that I love dearly
Way, hey, bully in the alley
Sally is the girl that I spliced nearly
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley…

I went to tell my Sally dear
Way, hey, bully in the alley
I hoped that she might shed a tear
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley…

Sweet Sally only shook her head
Way, hey, bully in the alley
She took my hand, took me to bed
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley…

We tossed and tumbled all night long-o
Way, hey, bully in the alley
In the morning the cock did crow-o
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley…

I left my Sal, went a-sailing
Way, hey, bully in the alley
Signed on a big ship, went a-whaling
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley…

If ever I get back, she says we’ll marry
Way, hey, bully in the alley
Have six kids and live in Shinbone Alley
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley…