Across the Line
From New Zealand comes ‘Across the Line’, an old song which I first heard sung, naturally enough, in Bradford, Yorkshire; learning it from its prime exponent, Jimmy Wild, the fairly famous international bricklayer. Also well known as The Sailors Way Martyn
ACROSS THE LINE Trad
I’ve traded with the Yankees Brazilian and Chinese
I’ve courted Maori beauties beneath them Kowri trees
I’ve traveled along with a drink and a song
In the land where they call you Mate
Around the Horn and back again as that’s the sailors fate.
Across the Line the Gulf Stream I’ve been in Table Bay
Around the Horn and back again as that’s the sailors way.
I’ve run aground on many a Sound without a pilot on board
Long boats lowered by lantern lights pushed off and gently oared
With rollocks creaking with the roll and the swell
In the wind that would make you hale
Oh who would sail the Seven Seas but that’s the sailors way.
Across the Line the Gulf Stream I’ve been in Table Bay
Around the Horn and back again as that’s the sailors way.
I’ve traveled to the Northwards I’ve traveled to the East
Trimmed the sails in the teeth of a gale and stood in calmer seas
I’ve steered a course by the Southern stars
From Stewart through the Strait
Westward bound round Milford Sound as that’s the sailors fate.
Across the Line the Gulf Stream I’ve been in Table Bay
Around the Horn and back again as that’s the sailors way.