“Fire, Maringo”

Description

Shanty. "Lift him up and carry him along, Fire maringo, fire away. Put him down where he belongs, Fire maringo, fire away"

Notes

Some dispute on the origin; Hugill says that Doerflinger mentions this as being of Negro origin (but I couldn't find any mention of it in _Shantymen and Shantyboys_ [nor could I - RBW]); however, Hugill himself thinks it is Irish, citing the use of the word "maringo" which he says is found is many Irish folk-songs. - SL

References

  1. Hugill, p. 16. "Fire, Maringo" (1 text, quoting Nordhoff's _The Merchant Vessel_)
  2. DT, FIRMRING
  3. BI, Hugi016

About

Alternate titles: “Fire, Marengo”
Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1884 (Charles Nordhoff's _The Merchant Vessel, a Sailor Boy's Voyages_ 1884)
Keywords: shanty worksong
Found in: US