1
We sailed down the river, tide on the ebb,
Set our course for Flamborough Head.
Oh, what a windy night!
We passed Tom Shippey, he was haulin' fine,
He's got four fish on his off-most line. (Most easterly fishing line)
Oh, what a windy night!
Chorus
Oh, what a windy night!
Skipper won't shoot his lines tonight
Oh, what a windy night!
2
Flamborough Head as we pass by,
Filey Brigg we daren't go nigh.
Oh, what a windy night!
Scarborough Castle stands out to sea,
Whitby rocks lyin' nowtherly. (northerly)
Oh, what a windy night!
3
The lad he tried to boil the kettle and when it boiled it did;
It spluttered the water all over the floor and then blew off the lid.
He went to get the bacon, he fried (in) the fishy pan;
He went to get the milk and over went the can.
It's a shame to blame poor Jimmy.
4
Crabs and lobsters swillin' round Breil, (Breil Nook)
The only trouble it's blowin' up a gale.
Oh, what a windy night!
Old Tom Shippey jumped out o' bed,
Set her on for Flamborough Head.
Oh, what a windy night!
Old Tom Shippey jumped out o' bed,
Bumped his head on forecastle head.
Oh, what a windy night!
Recorded for The Yorkshire Garland Group by Mark Ellison at The National Centre for Early Music, York, 15th September 2007.
This is a traditional song
For many years Jim Eldon has entertained holiday-makers taking a trip out of Brid Harbour on The Yorkshire Belle with his local songs accompanied on his fiddle. Though from Hull, Jim plays in a band with Bridlington musicians and has been welcomed into the fishing community around Bridlington Harbour and Flamborough where he has obtained many of his songs. This one he obtained in bits and pieces over a long period from the local fishermen who feature in the song. See also TYG 20, a similar song from the same sources.