Lyrics

One More Day

Attributed to be a Capstan, Pump, Windlass and Halyard Shanty

Traditional

Chorus:
Only one day more, my Johnny, one more day,
Oh, rock and roll me over, only one more day!

Oh, don’t you hear the old man roaring?
Response: One more day!
Oh, don’t you hear that pilot bawling?
Response: Only one more day! (Chorus)

Can’t you hear those gels a-calling?
Response: One more day!
Oh, can’t you hear that capstan pawling?
Only one more day! (Chorus)

Then put on your long-tailed blue, my Johnny,
Response: One more day!
For your pay is nearly due, Johnny.
Only one more day! (Chorus)

Lyrics from Iron Men & Wooden Ships, by Frank Shay (1/1/1926).

There is an interesting version of this on Tom Lewis’ collaborative album, Poles Apart, that includes verses sung in Polish!