Name: Grimsby Fisher Lads
Duration: P00H05M51S
Description: In the late 19th century, the fishing industry along the east coast of England was booming. With it, however, came exploitation. It was common practice to take children as young as fourteen from the workhouses as indentured labour, pay them very low wages and assign them menial tasks on the boats. Jon’s song reflects research done in old newspaper cuttings from Grimsby.

Grimsby Fisher Lads

from Green to Gold by Moonrakers

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£1 GBP or more
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

In the late 19th century, the fishing industry along the east coast of England was booming. With it, however, came exploitation. It was common practice to take children as young as fourteen from the workhouses as indentured labour, pay them very low wages and assign them menial tasks on the boats. Jon’s song reflects research done in old newspaper cuttings from Grimsby.

lyrics

When you live with the weather, every trip has its tale
The Grimsby boys shudder as the wind hits the sail
The swell of the ocean closes down on the deck
And we hope we are blessed

Bound as apprentice for seven long years
At the smack captain’s pleasure, and no more tears
From tarring the rope to making the tea
We long to be free

Land ahoy and home again, home again
No more black sea to roam again, roam again
And all the town shall ring to them, ring to them
For the land is drawing near

In boots and hard leather, the voyage has passed
A small penny fortune that never seems to last
The fishermen hate us, for we undercut their wage
And learn nothing at all

Hold fast to the quick and mourn the dead
The Grimsby boy souls and all who have fled
Their ghosts stand high on the harbour walls
Looking out to the sea

credits

from Green to Gold, released May 27, 2023
Written by Jon Bennett; arranged by Moonrakers

license

about

Moonrakers Oxford, UK

Described as “startlingly talented” (Oxford Times) and now with five albums of "exquisite music "(BBC) and "truly wonderful" (Wycombe Festival) performances, Moonrakers present an informal evening of musical excellence and humour.

moonrakers.net

discography

Green to Gold

May 2023
Ebb & Flow

Mar 2020
Tides

Jan 2019
Silken Thread

Aug 2017

contact / help

Contact Moonrakers

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Moonrakers, you may also like:

Mind, Man, Medicine
by The Secret Sisters

The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024
go to album
Too Many Souls
by Avi C. Engel

The haunting new record from Canadian folk artist Avi C. Engel bridges old and new traditions with a minimalist approach. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 24, 2024
go to album
The King Of Misery
by Daudi Matsiko

featured on Bandcamp Radio Nov 7, 2023
go to album
Some Day
by Dt/IG

The instrumental ensemble Dt/IG straddles the line between folk and classical, stirring acoustics augmented by sumptuous arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 29, 2023
go to album
Steady Away
by Chris Brain

The latest from the UK’s Chris Brain is a gorgeously wrought album of tender acoustic folk music. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 17, 2023
go to album
they only talk about the weather
by Arny Margret

The Icelandic songwriter packs her stunning debut with sweeping melodies delivered via intimate, folky arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 12, 2023
go to album
Holy Omen
by Greta Ruth

Ruth's sophomore release explores sacred signs against a backdrop of folk melodies and acoustic guitar. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 12, 2023
go to album