December 19, 2004
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The Golden Days of Sail
The Golden Days of Sail
by Eileen Quinn
‘T was in the days of glory
When England ruled the realm
When ships were grand and brave the man
Who stood behind the helm.We knew no iron genny
To speed us ‘cross the seas.
So we ate the horses in the calms,
Adrift at 30o.Ah! Those wondrous years!
We never shall forget.
When sailors knew the honor of
Blood and toil and sweat.We knew a great camaraderie –
Some say we knew no fear –
As we lost our teeth to scurvy
And bathed but once a year.Oh the golden days,
the golden days,
The golden days of sail!
When the cabin boy feared the captain’s wink,
And we all crapped over the rail.Across uncharted waters
We set our cunning sights
To claim the new world for the crown
With all inherent rights.So many proud traditions
Born of those days of old
When we decimated natives
And robbed them of their gold!Ah! For the days when men were men
And women stayed at home.
Adventure drove the sailor
Upon the seas to roam.We cut such dashing figures!
Romance filled our lives,
As we brought great sport to every port
And syphilis home to our wives.‘T was in the days of glory
When England ruled the realm
When ships were grand and brave the man
Who stood behind the helm.Alas, those days of glory
Nevermore shall be,
For now ‘t is only fools like us
Who sail across the sea.Quinn explains, “For the most part, I wanted this album to be upbeat. It’s dedicated to all those poor souls who are addicted to boats. Some people might think we’re crazy – and maybe we are – but at least we can laugh at ourselves!”
