Steve Wright: Music

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Born in Shiretown Guysborough Nova Scotia,
Grew up on decks of schooners all around the bay
Skipping rocks and skipping school, some said he was bound to be a fool
But he knew in his heart what he’s become someday
And he heard all the Captain’s stories of the lands far beyond the sea
He dreamed of the day he’d have a schooner of his own
And all the town folk then would call him Captain James Gosbee
At twenty one me married, a new wife and his son
At twenty four they had three more oh they were so in love
He worked for merchant seamen catching fish off Newfoundland
He could stoe a hold like no man and number one deck hand
He worked hard saved his money; Bought a house with a harbour view
And every time he’d go away he’s take her in his arms and say
Listen to this song I sing, don’t be sad and I love you
(CH)
He sang blow ye winds high ho
A roving I will go
Across those stormy seas
But my love soon I’ll be
In your arms again
I’m you’re Skipper Jim
After years of climbing that ratline of success
As Captain of the packet Sylph, his will be put to test
Lying hard for Halifax in the gale of ‘48’
They smashed upon Devil’s Isle, but all the crew were saved
Mary said, “Jim I need you here, please think of our children too”
Oh Mary dear I live this dream and I know it’s hell on you
But separate a man from dream
He’ll end up on Dog Lane too
Well twenty years of sailing Skipper Jim always came home
He built a brig the plover and he traded fish for rum
He sold that little house and planned a mansion on the hill
He said “I’ll have it built while I’m at sea on my last trip I’ll sail”
I’ve waited for this for years she said, “A life with you my man.”
And standing on the timbers of the dreams that they had laid
She listened to him singing
As he sailed out the bay
(CH)
Well the sea’s a cruel harsh master, there is no guarantee
A life time of hopes and dreams can end in tragedy
She was seen upon the widow’s walk looking out for miles around
But the papers read left widow, and six children in the town
But Mary stayed up there watching; Wind swept tears streaked across her face
You promised us we’d have a life together at the end
She gripped the rail and cried out,
“Damn you Skipper Jim”
Well the packet brought a letter dated March of ‘54
She opened it and read it as she’d done oft times before
We’re loaded up in Halifax and we’re West Indies Bound
I’ll see you in a month or two if everything goes well....
She broke down by her window; It had been a year and she still grieved
The P.S said I miss you and I’ll be with you soon
Don’t forget about the song I sing,
Don’t be sad and I love you
..and she could hear him singing...
(CH)
Then she sang:
Blow he winds high ho
A roving I will go
Across those stormy seas
But my love soon I’ll be
In your arms again
You’re my Skipper Jim
© E.S.Wright