61 - Haul on the Bowline
Words: TraditionalTune: Traditional
Haul on the Bowline is widely considered one of the oldest surviving traditional English
short-drag shanties, with roots tracing back to the 16th-century reign of Henry VIII.
It was used on sailing ships for tasks requiring a few massive, coordinated bursts of
strength, where the crew would pull in unison exactly on the final word "HAUL!" at the
end of the chorus. The song outlived the practical importance of the "bowline" itself
- a rope used to trim square sails that became largely obsolete in the 17th century -
but remained a staple of merchant sail culture for hundreds of years.
This song can be sung with the start of the verse overlapping the chorus.
Haul on the bowline, homeward we are going
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, before she starts a-rolling
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, the Captain is a-growling
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, so early in the morning
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, to Bristol we are going
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, Kitty is my darling
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, Kitty comes from Liverpool
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!
Haul on the bowline, It’s a far cry to pay day
Haul on the bowlin’, the bowlin’ haul!