Lyrics Shanty Man's Life - Dave Van Ronk

Shanty Man's Life

A shanty man’s life is a wearisome one
Though some say it’s free from care
It’s the swinging of an axe
From morning 'till night
In the forest wild and drear
Transported as we are from a lady so fair
To the banks of some lonely stream
Where the wolf, bear, and owl
Give a terrifying howl
And disturb our nightly dreamin'
Oh sleeping at night in our bunks without cheer
While the cold winter winds do blow
But as soon as the morning
Star does appear
To the wild woods we must go
Had we ale, wine, or beer our spirits for to cheer
When we’re in those woods so wild
Where a glass of whiskey shone
When we’re in the woods alone
For to pass away our long exile
Shantying, I’ll give o’er when I landed safe on shore
And I’ll lead a different life
No more will I roam
But contented stay at home
With a happy little smiling wife
A shanty man’s life is a wearisome one
Though some say it’s free from care
It’s the swinging of an axe
From morning 'till night
In the forest wild and drear