This is a frequently used ‘end-of-the-night’ song at Rhyl Folk Club and, no doubt, many other clubs up and down the country. The original was collected in the late 1930s’ by American folklorist William Main Doerflinger. His informant was a retired seaman, Richard Maitland. This was the only time that the song was ever collected, so we nearly missed it. Doerflinger published it in his 1951 book Shantymen and Shantyboys. It was, of course, subsequently recorded by numerous folk groups in the Revival, including The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners. Unfortunately, the original recording of Richard Maitland, the source of the song, has never been released.
The song is a forebitter, a song sung for entertainment and diversion rather than as a work song. The ship referred to, the Davy Crockett was a real ship sailing out of Liverpool and her captain really was Captain John Burgess who died at sea in 1874.
On this performance, Alun Rhys Jones provided his usual lively accordion accompaniment and an assorted bunch of our regular singers filled out the chorus, aided and abetted by our stalwart audience.
On this performance, Alun Rhys Jones provided his usual lively accordion accompaniment and an assorted bunch of our regular singers filled out the chorus, aided and abetted by our stalwart audience.