One of my all time favourite foc’sle chanteys. This version came from a singer at one of the folk clubs I used to go to in England before coming to America.
I dreamed a dream the other night
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
I dreamed a dream the other night
To me lowlands, away.
I dreamed a dream ‘bout my own true love.
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
She flew to me like some young dove.
To me lowlands, away.
Oh lowland maids are fair and true.
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
And they have hearts that’re just as true.
To me lowlands, away.
This girl she stood right by my side
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
All dressed in white like some young bride.
To me lowlands, away.
I held her in my fond embrace
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
And kissed her sweet and shining face.
To me lowlands, away.
And then awoke to hear the cry,
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
“Rouse up the watch! Oh watch ahoy”.
To me lowlands, away.
I dreamed a dream the other night
Lowlands, lowlands, away my John
I dreamed a dream the other night
To me lowlands, away.