Barge Ballad

Once there was a barge lad
(Way up atop the mast)
Shouting to the skipper
We’ve made it home at last

Well I was that barge lad
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I’m the skipper
And that young nipper
Had better be holding fast

Oh we’re loaded down with bales so high
You’ve got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky
Oh the Thames may forgive us, but the Alde never will
So eyes front and away we sail

Oh you’ve got to be able
(Way up atop the mast)
Your legs better be nimble
And your head better think fast

Well I was that able
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I’m the skipper
And that young nipper is hearty enough to last

So eyes front
Keep your head, and away we sail

Oh you’ve eyes like an eagle
(Way up atop the mast)
Spotting all the obstacles that come across your path

Well I was that eagle
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I’m the skipper
And that young nipper will keep us from taking a bath

So eyes front, keep your head
Clear your throat, and away we sail

Oh you’ve got to remember
(Way up atop the mast)
Knowing all the river-routes
That you never learn from the charts

Well I do remember
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I’m the skipper
And that young nipper is taking the rivers to heart

So eyes front, keep your head
Clear your throat, know your way
Fill your pipe, grab on tight
Look for the lights, and away we sail