- The Shoelace Shanty
Words: © Jack PritchardTune: © Jack Pritchard
A shanty to sing while doing small tasks that don't quite deserve a proper shanty
On the transatlantic routes
When you’re lacing up your boots
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
And on a deep sea ocean cruise
When you’re putting on your shoes
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
And if you’re hauling on the braces
Or just tightening your laces
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope or cord or string
You’ll be sure to hear us sing
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
If you’re sailing through the German Bight
Or turning off the bathroom light
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
While you ride upon the ocean’s swells
Or when you ring out the wedding bells
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
When you sail with Captain Hornblower
Or start a petrol lawnmower
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
As I sight the coast of Dorset
While I’m lacing up my corset
I shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope or cord or string
You’ll be sure to hear us sing
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
When a winter storm is guaranteed
When you unspool an extension lead
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
If you’re sailing down to Hilo
Or playing with a yo-yo
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
When I sail the ship across the bar
Or change the strings of my guitar
Shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
[tragically]
And when at last the glass is fell
And when they sound my funeral knell
They’ll shout the shanty loud and haul away
Cos if there’s rope…
Away, haul away,
We’re all bound away
Shout the shanty loud, haul away