Track 9. Row On (Roud 2084)

These words were found in the 1846 journal of the New Bedford whaler 'Three Brothers'. The tune was added by Tim Laycock. Coastal tragedies aren’t just a thing of the past, I actually came across this song when I was singing at a concert raising money for the victims of the 2004 Tsunami in Indonesia. I also sung this song at my son’s wedding in a 1000 year old monastery in Germany - because of that beautiful memory I always hear these words as a love song, though I know others will hear it in their own way.

Clouds are upon the summer sky, there’s thunder in the wind. Pull on, pull on and homeward high, nor give one look behind.

Row on row on another day may shine with brighter light. Ply ply the oars and pull away, there’s dawn beyond the night.

Bear where though goest the word of love say all that words can say. Changeless affection strength to prove that speed upon the way.

Row on row on another day may shine with brighter light. Ply ply the oars and pull away, there’s dawn beyond the night.

Oh like yon river would I glide to where my heart would be. My bark would soon out sail the tide that hurries to the sea.

Row on row on another day may shine with brighter light. Ply ply the oars and pull away, there’s dawn beyond the night.

And yet a star shines constant still in yonder cloudy sky. And hope as bright my bosom fills with love that cannot die.

Row on row on another day may shine with brighter light. Ply ply the oars and pull away, there’s dawn beyond the night.

Row on row on God speed the way thou must not linger here. Storms gather round the closing day, tomorrow may be clear.

Row on row on another day may shine with brighter light. Ply ply the oars and pull away, there’s dawn beyond the night.

Ply ply the oars and pull away, there’s dawn beyond the night.