Waysailing Bowl,The

Roud 209

Sung by Billy Buckingham and others
Recorded by Gwilym Davies in The Royal Arms, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. February 1979

As printed in the sleeve notes of The Voice of the People Volume 16 Topic Records TSCD666

1 Oh, waysail, oh, waysail all over the town.
Our pledge it is white, our ale it is brown.
And our bowl it is made of the best mottling tree.
To my waysailing bowl I'll bring unto thee.

2 Now, here's health to my master and to his right eye.
Pray God send our master a good Xmas pie,
And a good Xmas pie that we may all see.
To my waysailing bowl I'll bring unto thee.

3 Now, here's health to my master and to his right ear.
Pray God send our master a happy New Year.
And an happy New Year that we may all see.
To my waysailing bowl I'll bring unto thee.

4 Now, here's health to my master and to his right arm.
Pray God send our master a good crop of corn.
And a good crop of corn and another of hay
To pass the cold wintery winds away.

5 Now, here's health to my master and to his right hip.
Pray God send our master a good flock of sheep.
And a good flock of sheep that we may all see.
To my waysailing bowl I'll bring unto thee.

6 Now, here's health to my master and to his right leg.
Pray God send our master a good fatted pig
And a good fatted pig that we may all see.
To my waysailing bowl I'll bring unto thee.

7 Now, butler, come fill up a bowl of your best.
I hope in Heaven your soul will rest,
But if that you should bring us a bowl of your small ale
Then down shall go butler and all and all.

8 There was an old woman she had but one cow,
And how to maintain it she did not know how.
She builded a barn to keep her cow warm
And – I’ll have to have more cider – will do us no harm