On Board the "Rocket"

by Robert C. Adams

Chorus. Way, haul a-way; O, haul a-way, Joe.

And another:—

JOHNNY BOKER.

Oh do, my Johnny Boker, Come rock and roll me o-ver,

Chorus. Do, my Johnny Bo-ker, do.

In both of these, the emphasis and the pull come at the last word of the chorus: "Joe" and "do," as they end the strain, put a severe strain on the rope.

In the second set of working songs, I would place those that are used in long hoists, or where so large a number of pulls is required that more frequent exertion must be used, than is called for by the first set, lest too much time be occupied. The topsail halyards call most frequently for these songs. One of the most universal, and to my ear the most musical of the songs, is "Reuben Ranzo." A good shantyman, who with fitting pathos recounts the sorrows of "poor Reuben" never fails to send the topsail to the mast-head at quick notice, nor to create a passing interest in the listener to the touching melody:—

REUBEN RANZO.