Blow down means to strike or knock down,
and a harsh treatment was
the order of the day
on early 19th century sailing vessels.
Like many another chantee,
this song had hundreds of verses
to tell about the life aboard
a packet line.
Come all ye young fellows
that follow the sea
To my way, hey, blow the man down
And pray, pay attention,
and listen to me
Give me some time to blow
the man down
I'm a deep water sailor
just in from Hong Kong
To my way, blow the man down
If you'll give me some grok
I will sing you a song
Give me some time to blow
the man down
It was on a black baller
I first served my time
Tell my way, hey, blow the man down
And on that black baller I
wasted my prime
Give me some time to blow the man down
It's when a black baller's
preparing for sea
Tell my way, hey, blow the man down
You split your sides
laughing at the sights that you see
Give me some time to blow
the man down
With the tankers and tailors
and soldiers and all
Tell me, hey, hey, blow the man down
That ship for price seamen
on board a black ball
Give me some time to blow the man down
Tis when the black baller
is clear of the land
Tell me way, hey,
blow the man down
Our bosun then gives us
the word of command
Give us some time to blow the man down
Lay aft is the cry to the break of the poop
Tell me way, hey, blow the man down
Or I'll help you along
with the toe of my boot
Give me some time to blow the man down
Tis Larberton starboard,
on the deck you will sprawl
Tell me, hey, hey, blow the man down
For kicking Jack Williams
commands the black ball
Give me some time to blow the man down
At first it's a fist, and then it's a fall
With me, hey, hey, blow the man down
When your ship is a sailor
aboard the black ball
Give me some time to blow the man down