Rio Grande Lyrics

About this shanty

"Rio Grande" is one of the finest capstan shanties in the repertoire — a long, rolling song ideal for the steady, continuous work of walking the capstan bars around to raise the anchor. As explained in the sea shanty glossary, the Rio Grande of the shanty refers to the port of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil rather than the Mexican border river. It is a homeward-bound song, sung by sailors weighing anchor to leave port for home.

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Lyrics

Capstan shanty

Oh say, were you ever in Rio Grande?
Way, ay, Rio!
It's there that the river runs down golden sand,
And we're bound for the Rio Grande!

And away, Rio! Ay, Rio!
Sing fare you well, my bonny young girl,
We're bound for the Rio Grande!

We were sick on the beach and our money was spent,
Way, ay, Rio!
We shipped in a packet for to earn what we meant,
And we're bound for the Rio Grande!

Oh, fare you well, pretty ladies, goodbye,
Way, ay, Rio!
When next we return you'll be glad, so don't cry,
And we're bound for the Rio Grande!

Sing goodbye to Sally and goodbye to Sue,
Way, ay, Rio!
And to all who are listening, goodbye to you,
And we're bound for the Rio Grande!

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Paddy, Get Back — capstan shanty
Rolling Down to Old Maui — forecastle song