Waiting for the Day (The Worst Old Ship)

DESCRIPTION: Singer describes life on "the worst old brig that ever did weigh." Built in "Roman time"/Nelson's times," it's held together with twine and undermanned. They spring a leak and bail their way to dock. Chorus: "Waiting for the day (x3) that we get our pay"
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1950s (recorded from Bob Roberts)
LONG DESCRIPTION: "Oh, the worst ship the yard's ever laid, Steamed out of (Plymouth) on a (winter's) day," Singer describes life on "the worst old brig that ever did weigh." Built in "Roman time"/Nelson's times," it's held together with twine and seriously undermanned. They spring a leak off Orford Ness and bail their way along the coast and up the Humber to dock. Chorus: "Waiting for the day, waiting for the day/Waiting for the day that we get our pay"
KEYWORDS: sea ship work sailor worker navy hardtimes humorous
FOUND IN: Britain(England)
REFERENCES (1 citation):
Tawney-GreyFunnelLines-RoyalNavy, p. 37, "Waiting for the Day" (1 text, probably a navy modification of a civilian song)
Roud #1855
RECORDINGS:
Bob Roberts, "Waiting for the Day (The Worst Old Ship)" (on LastDays)
NOTES [8 words]: Again, pity we don't have a keyword "bitching." - PJS
Last updated in version 5.1
File: RcWftD

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography