Strike the Bell
A classic shanty of frustration and foul weather, Strike the Bell is a call from the crew for the watch to end—and the second mate to stop faffing about.
Each verse highlights a sailor on duty, cold, tired, and eyeing the rising wind, all wishing the bell would ring and bring them some rest. It’s a favourite of ours, full of rhythm, humour, and that timeless grumble at those in charge.
Lyrics
Up on the poopdeck walking about
There is the second mate so sturdy and so stout
What he is thinking of he doesn’t know himself
And, we wish that he would hurry up and strike, strike the bell!
Strike the bell! Second mate!
Let us go below
Look away to windward, you can see it's going to blow
Look at the glass you can see that it is fell
And we wish that you would hurry up and strike, strike the bell!
Down on the maindeck workin’ on the pumps
There is the larboard watch just warmin’ for their bunks
Look out to windward they can se-e a great swell
And we wish that you would hurry up and strike, strike the bell!
Chorus
Down in the wheelhouse poor Anderson stands
Grasping at the helm with his frostbitten hands
Looking at the compass though the course is clear as hell
And we wish that you would hurry up and strike, strike the bell!
Chorus
For'ad in the fo'c'sle head keeping a sharp lookout
There is Johnny standing a ready for to shout
"Lights' burning bright, sir And everything is well"
He's wishing that the second mate would strike, strike the bell!
Chorus
Down in the cabin our gallant captain stands
Lookin’ out to sea with his spyglass in his hand
What he is thinking of we know it very well
He's thinking more of shortening sail than striking the bell!
Chorus x2
