Whitby Harbour

1. Blow the North winds across old Whitby harbour,
Tether the boats from the oncoming storm.
Bright is the light that shines on the water,
Coal from the Tyne keeping families warm.

Chorus
Build me a ship to sail across oceans
Give me fair wind and I’ll answer the call
Further than any man ever before me
South to Australia around the Cape Horn

2. Ghosts of old sailors in wind swept old whalers,
Finding safe harbour from Greenland’s cold shores.
Young boys are racing to pull down the ribbons,
Then head for the Straights to go whaling once more.

3. Sailor beware the red skies of morning,
Unless you’re willing a high price you’ll pay.
Strong arms are waiting and all for a shilling,
King George’s navy will take you away.

4. An old Whitby Cat glides through the darkness,
3000 gallons lie deep in her hold.
Bound for the market and houses of Church Street,
Gin, rum and tea to be traded for gold.

5. Blow the north wind across old Whitby Harbour,
Captain James Cook has weathered the storms.
Young men of Whitby sail on the Endeavour.
South to Australia and round the Cape Horn.