Song by Phil & June Colclough, new melody by Dick Swain

Dick Swain found this text in a collection of British poetry and gave it this tune. When I heard him sing it, I knew I had to learn it. Thanks Dick.

1. May the Harpoon rust, may the cold steel be gone
   May be seas all be clear where whale fishes run
   May hook, knife, dart and line all be lost in the brine
   May the blood on the sails all be fisherman’s tales.
2. May the whaleman’s breath no more hang like the mist
   May he never face danger or take any risk
   May boat, gun, oar and mast all be lost in the frost
   May the blood on the sails all be fisherman’s tales.
3. May the women on shore never have any fear
   May smiles touch the cheeks that once ran with tears
   May shipdeck, rope and bells all grow cockle shells
   May the blood on the sails all be fisherman’s tales.
4. May the seas ne’er be red where whalefishes bled
   Nor shine like the wine when the whale fish is dead
   May fleets, flags, sheds and quays  all be lost in the seas
   May the blood on the sails all be fisherman’s tales.
5. May the Harpoon rust, may the cold steel be gone
   May be seas all be clear where whale fishes run
   May hook, knife, dart and line all be lost in the brine
   May the blood on the sails all be fisherman’s tales.