Lyrics

Sailing, Sailing (Over The Bounding Main)

Y’heave ho! My lads, the wind blows free,
A pleasant gale is on our lee,
And soon across the ocean clear
Our gallant bark shall bravely steer.
But ere we part from freedom’s shore tonight,
A song we’ll sing for home and beauty bright.
Then here’s to the sailor, And here’s to the soldier, too,
Hearts will beat for him upon the waters blue.

Chorus:

Sailing, sailing,
Over the bounding main,
For many a stormy wind shall blow
Ere Jack comes home again,
Sailing, sailing,
Over the bounding main,
For many a stormy wind shall blow
Ere Jack comes home again!

The sailor’s life is bold and free,
His home is on the rolling sea,
And never heart more true or brave
Than he who launches on the wave.
Afar he speeds in distant climes to roam,
With jovial song he rides the sparkling foam.
Then here’s to the sailor, And here’s to the soldier, too,
Hearts will beat for him upon the waters blue. (Chorus)

The tide is flowing with the gale,
Y’heave ho! My lads, set every sail!
The harbor bar we soon shall clear,
Farewell once more to home so dear;
For when the tempest rages wide and far,
That home shall be the sailor’s guiding star.
Then here’s to the sailor, And here’s to the soldier, too,
Hearts will beat for him upon the waters blue. (Chorus)

Song Notes

Godfrey Marks is the pseudonym of James Frederick Swift.  This song was first published in 1880 by Reid Brothers of Oxford St., London. The song was also freely “borrowed” and adapted by Sir Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert & Sullivan) for use in his operettas, and so is sometimes incorrectly attributed to him.

Of course, I added this song to our potential repertoire since we selected the name “Bounding Main” from a choice of about 50 possibilities in 2003 when we first formed our group.  We have never actually worked on learning or memorizing this song, but I hope that we will soon!  — Dean Calin 5/6/2020.