“Ranzo Ray”
Description
Shanty. First refrain "Ranzo, Ranzo, hurray, hurray" (or "away, away), second refrain usually "Hilo me Ranzo ray." Verses tell of destinations and cargos, i.e. "we're bound for Yokohammer, with a load o' grand pianners."
Notes
Bone, in his notes to "Reuben Ranzo," was of the opinion that the word "Ranzo" somehow seemed to suit the action of hauling, which might explain its use in both this song and that. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "Huckleberry Hunting" (similar refrain)
References
- Hugill, pp. 247-249, "Ranzo Ray" (3 texts, 3 tunes) [AbEd, pp. 179-182]
- Sharp-EFC, XIX, p. 22, "The Bully Boat" (1 text, 1 tune)
- ADDITIONAL: Captain John Robinson, "Songs of the Chantey Man," a series published July-August 1917 in the periodical _The Bellman_ (Minneapolis, MN, 1906-1919). "Ranso Ray" is in Part 1, 7/14/1917.
- Roud #327
- BI, Hugi247