The ferry "Wenatchee" enroute to Bainbridge Island from Seattle, Washington. Photo by Tobias Eigen.
HAUL ON THE ANCHOR CHAIN
by James W. Sparrow
Sung by J. W. Sparrow
Recorded on "Victory Sings at Sea"
available from Victory Music
Self deprecatory humor has been a burr under the saddle
blanket of American thought wherever if finds expression.
This song is about the Washington State Ferry System and
carries on this time honored tradition of gentle self mockery.
Lead Vocal: JW Sparrow
Chorus: Rob Folsom, Judy Grantham, Robert Kotta,
Philip Morgan, Dan Roberts;
Bodhran: Teresa Morgan
Chorus: Haul on the anchor chain and pull on the oar
And we'll raise a glass together
When we reach the other shore
The turn around to Bainbridge
Is an hour forty flat
You can listen to even Steven
And the lovely singing Kat
The captain comes from Kansas
He's a mighty sailing man
And for a guy who's lost his glasses
He does the very best he can
From the pier at Point Defiance
On the blue Commencement Bay
The breezes waft across the water
To wish you gaily on your way
The first mate is quite jolly
From the funnels right on down
He knows every little cubby hole
Where a bottle's to be found
The galley is so spacious
It's a delight to the eye
And the food is so delicious
As we all can testify
By the mighty diesel engines
The engineer is vigilant
If the cabin boy remembers to
Go down and wake him up
The pilot is kept busy
Ironing shirts and mending socks
But I'll be darned if he can keep her
Off the shoals and the rocks
So remember weary travelers
If you're looking for some fun
The finest to be found
Is on the ferries from the State of Washington