Blow the Man Down — Jason Paul performance

The performance

3 recordings

Performance 1

Blow the Man Down [19th Century] – English Sea Shanty | Jason Paul, solo acoustic folk

January 31, 2026

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Lyrics and chords

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Verse 1

Come Call ya young fellers that follow the sea

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

Now G7just pay attention and listen to me

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Verse 2

ACboard the black baller I first served my time

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

But G7on the black baller I wasted my time

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Verse 3

We'd Ctinkers and tailors and sailors and all

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

that G7sailed for good seamen aboard the black ball

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Verse 4

Tis Cyardboard and starboard on decks you will crawl

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

when G7kicking Jack Williams commands the black ball

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Verse 5

Now Cwhen the black ballers preparin for sea

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

Youd G7bust your sides laughing at sites you will see

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Verse 6

But Cwhen the black baller is clear of the land

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

Old G7kicking jack Williams gives every command

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Verse 7

ACboard the black baller I first served my time

with a ho A7ho Dmblow the man down

But G7on the black baller I wasted my time

give me some time to Cblow the man down

Blow the Man Down is a 19th-century English sea shanty associated with merchant sailing and port life. The song entered the modern folk canon through collectors and performers such as Stan Hugill, and has been recorded by artists including Burl Ives, Woody Guthrie, Ewan MacColl, and A. L. Lloyd. Details: – Song: Blow the Man Down – English sea shanty – Approximate origin: 19th century, England – Solo acoustic folk performance by Jason Paul