The Merry Wives Of Windsor - Blonde Chantey

Since I was a young girl, I've longed to go to sea
But my mother said a sailor’s life was not a life for me
She said my arms weren't strong enough, the rigging for to grip
And the sailors would not fancy such as me aboard their ship

So hoist her up and away we'll go
Sing crack and a-rack and a-ree away
Up aloft or down below
It’s a sailor's life for me

I was somewhat headstrong, and to my ma's dismay
As soon as I was old enough, I set out on my way
And to a seaport I did wind, and there, to my delight
Right off, I spied a captain with his buttons burnished bright

I told the captain I did seek a berth upon his ship
Right off, he offered one of his and he kissed me on the lip
And then, he said "Let's drink on it," and offered me some wine
And I just knew the sailing life was bound to be mine

So hoist her up and away we'll go
Sing crack and a-rack and a-ree away
Up aloft or down below
It's a sailor's life for me

Just as we were underway, the captain said, "You know
You must stand watch like all the rest, so come you down below,"
He went into his cabin dark, and in his bunk went he
And I climbed in right next to him, the better for to see
He said, "And now we'll trim the sheets," and he pulled them awful oft
He said, "Now loose the braces," and he popped me corset off
He said, "Now ruff your petticoat, and sing out hard a-lee,"
And astride that captain’s bowsprit, I set out off to sea

So hoist her up and away we’ll go
Sing crack and a-rack and a-ree away
Up aloft or down below
It's a sailor’s life for me

The gay old winds did start to blow, the waves crashed o'er the bow
The captain said, "Let's start to pump," but he had to show me how
Then up and down and up again, I'm pumpin with a will
If the captain hadn’t popped his cork, I'd be a-pumping still

And now I've sailed the ocean blue and twice around the horn
The captain says that I'm the smartest sailor ever born
For though I've yet to hit the deck, there's so much I can do
He says he wishes more like me would sign up on his crew

So hoist her up and away we'll go
Sing crack and a-rack and a-ree away
Up aloft or down below
It's a sailor's life for me

Hoist her up and away we'll go
Sing crack and a-rack and a-ree away
Up aloft or down below
It's a sailor's life for me

The Merry Wives of Windsor is an all-female folk band hailing from Pasadena, California. The band is dedicated to creating and performing folk music from a female perspective, with a particular focus on promoting the destigmatization of consensual sex, especially for women.

Formed by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for folk music and a desire to challenge societal norms, The Merry Wives of Windsor quickly gained a following for their unique sound and powerful message. Their music is a blend of traditional folk melodies with modern lyrics that speak to the experiences and struggles of women in today's world.

Through their music, The Merry Wives of Windsor aim to empower women to embrace their sexuality and speak out against the double standards that exist in society. They believe that music has the power to inspire change and are dedicated to using their platform to advocate for gender equality and sexual freedom.

The band's live performances are energetic and captivating, drawing in audiences with their powerful vocals and dynamic instrumental arrangements. Whether performing at small intimate venues or larger festivals, The Merry Wives of Windsor never fail to leave a lasting impression on their listeners.

With their commitment to promoting positive messages and empowering women through music, The Merry Wives of Windsor continue to make waves in the folk music scene. Their dedication to challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality sets them apart as not just talented musicians, but also as powerful advocates for change.