Bold Riley

A traditional shanty more often now sung as a ballad. Half a sailor's first months pay could be picked up at the shipping office by his sweetie in thast port. The women would dress up in their Sunday best sporting white stockings, hence "White Stocking Day" to collect an advance note (an order to pay). These were only redeemable if "Jack" was actually on board when the ship sailed, so pimps and publicans would keep a close eye on "Jack" to protect their investment. If necessary they might deliver "Jack" unconscious to the mate when the "Blue Peter" was hoisted.

Bold Riley

The rain it is raining now all the day long,
Bold Riley-oh, Bold Riley!
And the northerly wind, it does blow so strong.
Bold Riley-oh, gone away!
 
Goodbye, me sweetheart, goodbye, me dear-oh,
Bold Riley-oh, Bold Riley!
Goodbye, me darlin' goodbye, me dear-oh,
Bold Riley-oh, gone away.
 
Wake up Mary Ellen, and don't look so glum,
Bold Riley-oh, Bold Riley!
By White stocking time, you'll be drinking hot rum.
Bold Riley-oh, gone away!
 
We're outward and bound for Bengal bay,
Bold Riley-oh, Bold Riley!
Get bendin', me boys, it's a hell of a way.
Bold Riley-oh, gone away!
 
Our anchor's aweigh and our sails are all set,
Bold Riley-oh, Bold Riley!
And the folks we are leaving, we'll never forget,
Bold Riley-oh, gone away!