“The Wreck of the Rebecca (The Mary Cochrane)”

Description

The singer emigrates to America. He takes ship. Part way through the voyage, the ship springs a leak. Eventually it overwhelms the pumps. Another vessel comes by and takes off the passengers shortly before she sinks

Notes

The two versions in the Henry collection are clearly derived from the same original lyrics (though the tunes are distinct); I've no idea how the ship ended with such different names. - RBW

References

  1. SHenry H565, p. 111, "The Wreck of the Rebecca"; H754, pp. 111-112, "The Good Ship Mary Cochrane" (2 texts, 2 tunes)
  2. Roud #13370
  3. BI, HHH565

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1934 (Sam Henry collection)
Found in: Ireland