The Wounded Whale lyrics by Fairport Convention
THE WOUNDED WHALEFAIRPORT CONVENTION
Reference Number : 0290
Low is the sun from her ocean bed was rising
Brought on the water a glittering light throws
Hark! from the masthead our lookout's a-crying
'Tis hard on the lee beam, whale, there she blows!
All up you sleepers, you larb'd and you starb'd men
Main yards aback, and your boats clear away, oh
Hard on our lee beam, see the white water gleam
Glittering and following, in glorious array
See the leviathan in vastness a-lying
Making the ocean her sumptuous bed
High overhead, seabirds are flying
Combing the billows that break o'er her head
Eye wide and swimming, her dark flukes a-flying
Stately but slowly she sinks in the main
Make over your oars a-while, rest from your weary toil
Watching and waiting, rising again
Row hearties, row, for the pride of your nation
Spring to your oars, let the reeking sweat flow
Bow for the blood, let it have circulation
Pour wood on your thwarts give way all you know
See how the boats advance, gaily, as to a dance
Floating like feathers o'er the dark blue sea......
Stand up and give a song, send both your irons home
Stood off and trim your boats, we are all clear....
Wounded and sore, fins and flukes all in commotion
Black skin and oars contending the spray
While loud and shrill blows the horn of the ocean
Fretting and lost, she brings to, in dismay....
Haul line every man, and gather in all you can
Lances and spades, from your thwarts clear away
Now click your oars again, while fast each boat remains
Safely and surely, we hold her at bay.....
Surrounded by those with strength undiminished
Heed how she flashes her dark flukes in the air
The lance in the life, and the struggle is finished
See how she sinks with a chimney on fire
So loud and shrill, the cries from our seamen
Mocking the whale in her terrible hour
Watching her as she dies, see the blue signal fly
Here she goes fin out, and the contest is o'er.....
Transcribed and programmed by Brian Robinson
Copyright 1992 "Hands On" MIDI Software
