Sea life in Nelson's time

by John Masefield

All all in the Downs that night for to meet,

So stand by your stoppers, see clear your shank-painters,

Haul all your clew-garnets, stick out tacks and sheets.

Chorus—We’ll rant and we’ll roar, etc.

Now let every man toss off a full bumper,

Now let every man toss off a full bowl,

For we will be jolly and drown melancholy

In a health to each jovial and true-hearted soul.

Chorus—We’ll rant and we’ll roar, etc.

Many of Charles Dibdin’s songs were popular in our fleets and naval hospitals. His most popular song appears to have been “Tom Bowling,” a song which seems to have continued in the popular favour until our own time. His songs sent so many young men to the Tower tender as naval recruits that the Government pensioned him.