A shanty man's life is a wearisome one
Though some think it’s free from care
It's the swinging of an axe from morning 'till night
In the forests wild and drear
Transported as we are from the lady so fair
To the banks of some lonely stream
Where the wolf, bear, and owl with their terrible howl
Disturb our nightly dream
Our sleeping at night in our bunks without cheer
While the cold winter winds do blow
But as soon as soon as the morning star does appear
To the wild woods we must go
Had we ale, wine, or beer our spirits for to cheer
When we’re in those woods so wild
Or a glass of whiskеy shone when we'rе in the woods alone
For to pass away our long exile
Shantying, I'll give o'er when I', landed safe on shore
And I'll lead a different life
No more will I roam, but contented, stay at home
With a happy little smiling wife
A shanty man's life is a wearisome one
Though some say it's free from care
It’s the swinging of an axe from morning ’till night
In the forest wild and drear
Other Dave Van Ronk songs:
all Dave Van Ronk songs all songs from 1964