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Author Unknown - Original Newfoundland Song
Performed by Allison Crowe
All true-born Newfoundlanders pray harken unto me
and hear your mess-mates tell you all of the dangers of the sea.
You all remember Pouch Cove well and the true sons so brave
who saved the crew of The Water Witch so near a wat'ry grave.
On Christmas Eve this craft did leave as loud the wind did roar.
And on a reef she came to grief not far from the Pouch Cove shore,
a place well called the Horrid Gulch the schooner headed on.
And in the twinkling of an eye three poor, dear, souls were gone.
Two seamen from The Water Witch leapt when they heard the shock.
The rest belonged to that doomed ship were huddled on a rock
to wait for hours through hail and showers as loud the sea did dash,
and t'see their schooner breaking hard on the cliff did crash.
Punts, ropes and lanterns soon were brought by kind and willing hands.
The shrieks of females in distress our fishermen could not stand.
And how to face the Horrid Gulch six hundred feet to go
to save those souls half dead with cold who waited down below.
Brave Alfred Moores, a Pouch Cove man, "I'll take the lead," he cried
while 'round his waist strong hempen ropes with heavy knots they tied.
And now strong men are on the top to lower him o'er the cliff
to dash our hero down below 'neath blinding snow and drift.
Three times they swung him in the dark, through blinding drift and cold,
before his feet could get a place to give him any hold.
At last he found a resting place just 'neath a shelving stone
where he could see those souls below and hear each dismal moan.
And now to save this shipwrecked crew his heart is filled with hope.
Six more brave Pouch Cove 'men like heroes man the rope.
And now a small hand-line by Moores he managed for to lower
'til a' The Water Witch's crew all landed safe on shore.
But, hark - another scream is heard! The people get a shock.
Another female left below to perish on the rock
when Alfred makes another dash, as loud the wind do roar,
and brings the woman in his arms in safety to the shore.
The news was soon in town next day about The Water Witch.
The whole community got a shock - the poor as well as rich.
The Governor soon sent home the word, in letters bold and grand,
to tell ' the pluck of the fishermen belong to Newfoundland.
The Humane Society of Liverpool did very soon send here
gold medals for our fishermen that never knew no fear.
The Governor's Lady pinned them on, those medals rare and rich,
the Pouch Cove men who saved the lives a' board The Water Witch.
So here's success to our bold men who risk, in storms and breeze,
their precious lives for saving souls who venture on the seas.
May peace and plenty be their lot, oh, this true and sterling band.
Brave Alfred Moores and all the rest belong to Newfoundland.
credits
from Newfoundland Vinyl II,
released December 2, 2014
Allison Crowe - voice, guitar, arranger, engineer and producer
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Water Witch”
This is becoming one of my all-time favorite live albums. Outstanding setlist of some of her best songs, the band on point, and just a beautiful performance. jae
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Water Witch”
The sweetness of the harmony and beauty of the tracks made me have to purchase this album. The vocals float like ethereal sprites with compelling warmness yet a certain captivating sadness as well. This is what Americana should sound like... this is what country should sound like... for it's so real and emotionally delivered... yet absolutely gorgeous. theexplodingogre
This posthumous record by the lead singer of the Tragically Hip, containing both electric & acoustic takes, showcases his songwriting gifts. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 12, 2020
Slaughter Beach, Dog—a.k.a. Modern Baseball’s Jake Ewald—deliver taut, tuneful indie rock, effortlessly melodic and soaring. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 17, 2016