“My Johnny”

Description

Basically a lament for Johnny, who apparently died and was buried at sea. "We're homeward bound today ... We'll drink and play (etc) but always think of Johnny" Chorus: "In the middle of the sea, my boy is floating free, so far away from me, my love."

Notes

Rather slow and sentimental for a shanty, but Terry's source said it was used at the capstan. - SL

References

  1. Hugill, pp. 539-540, "My Johnny" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. BI, Hugi539

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1921 (Richard Runciman Terry, _The Shanty Book_)
Found in: Britain