Lyrics
Leave Her, Johnny
Homeward-bound Capstan or Pump Shanty
Traditional
Oh, th’ times was hard an’ th’ wages low,
Leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
An’ th’ grub was bad an’ th’ gales did blow,
An’ it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er!
Chorus:
Leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
O-oh, leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
For th’ voy’ge is done, an’ th’ gales do blow,
An’ it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er!
I thought I heard th’ Old Man say,
Leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
Ye can go a-shore an’ take yer pay,
An’ it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er! (Chorus)
Oh, her stern was foul an’ th’ v’yage was long.
Leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
An’ th’ winds was bad, an’ th’ gales was strong.
An’ it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er! (Chorus)
An’ we’ll leave ‘er tight an’ we’ll leave ‘er trim.
Leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
A-an’ heave th’ hungry packet in.
For it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er! (Chorus)
Oh, leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er with a grin.
Leave ‘er, Johnnie, leave ‘er!
For there’s many a worser we’ve sailed in.
An’ it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er! (Chorus)
An’ now it’s time t’ say good-bye.
Leave ‘er, Johnny, leave ‘er!
For th’ old pierhead’s a-drawin’ nigh.
An’ it’s time for us t’ leave ‘er! (Chorus)
WHERE TO FIND IT
Song Notes
While this song is a capstan or pump shanty it was typically reserved for the last of these actions as the lyrics (and there are dozens of them!) are typically venting steam about the food, the captain, the mates, the ship, the voyage, etc.
Bounding Main’s recorded version on the Maiden Voyage CD treats the song pretty sweetly – likened to a “calling home shanty” as much as anything. It has been a fan favorite.