Excursion Around the Bay

"Excursion Around The Bay" is a popular Newfoundland folk song. It was written by Johnny Burke (1851-1930), a popular St. John's balladeer.

It was covered by Great Big Sea on their 1993 and 2000 albums, "Great Big Sea" and "Road Rage", and then again on their live recording, "Great Big DVD" and "CD". Most recently it was featured on their album "Courage & Patience & Grit".

ee also

* List of Newfoundland songs

Lyrics:"Excursion Around The Bay"

Well it was on this monday morningAnd the day be calm and fineA harbour grace excursionWith the boys who had the timeAnd just before the sailorTook the gangway from the pierI saw some fellow haul me wifeAboard as a volunteer

[Chorus:]

Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife cryOh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna die!Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife say,"I wish I'd never taken this excursion around the bay"

We had fourteen hundred souls aboard, oh what a splendid sight!Left stong and regimental to make our spirits brightAnd meself being in the double, when a funny things they'd sayThey choke themselves from laughing when they'd see us in the bay,br>

[Chorus]

Me wife she got no better, she turned a sickly greenI fed her cake and candy, fat pork and keroseneCastor Oil and sugar of candy, I rubbed pure oil on her faceAnd I said she'll be a dandy when we reaches Harbour Grace!

[Chorus]

My wife she got no better, my wife me darling dearThe screeches from her trollear could hear in CarbonearI tried every place in Harbour Grace,Tried every store and shop,To get her something for a cure or take her to the hop

[Chorus]

She died below the brandy's as we were coming backWe buried her in the ocean, wrapped up in a Union JackSo now I am a single man, in search of a pretty faceAnd the woman that says she'll have me, I'm off for Harbour Grace!,br>

[Chorus]