Windy Old Weather

[Rosa Giovanno]

Windy Old Weather

As we were a-fishing off Happisburgh light
Shooting and hauling and trawling all night,
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together

When up jumped a herring, the queen of the sea
Says "Now, you old skipper, you cannot catch me,"
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together

We sighted a THRASHER - a slashin' his tail,
"Time now Old Skipper - to hoist up your sail."
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together

And up jumps a SLIPSOLE - as strong as a horse,
Says now, "Old Skipper - you're miles off your course."
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together

Then along comes a PLAICE - who's got spots on his side,
Says, "Not much longer - these seas you can ride."
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together

Then up rears a CONGER - as long as a mile,
"Winds comin' east'ly - he says with a smile.
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together

I think what these fishes are sayin' is right,
We'll haul up our gear now an' steer for the light.
In the windy old weather, stormy old weather
When the wind blows we all pull together