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The life that's lived by the draggerman I'd like to tell to you,
Their hardships are plenty while their pleasures are few;
Two days they get from every trip with their wife and family,
The life that's lived by the draggerman is not like you and me.
The life that's lived by the draggerman is not like you and me.
The stars shine from the clear blue sky, the wind blows from the north,
All hands on board the ship cast off, the skipper charts the course;
They'll leave their sweethearts in the night, for the fishing ground they'll sail,
From six to fourteen days they'll be out on the ocean swell.
From six to fourteen days they'll be out on the ocean swell.
The doors are dropped, they fight the lock as they turn and shoot away,
Now watch yourself by the forward lock, he heard the skipper say;
For you could slip, and don't forget you could easily lose a hand,
It's hell on earth these men go through, the gallant draggermen.
It's hell on earth these men go through, the gallant draggermen.
As they make their tow they go below to try and get some sleep,
To keep from fallin' from their bunks they have to brace their feet;
When Oblong Dick, the mate, brings up a door from your set,
The nets are hooked in the bottom, me boys, and we have to take her back.
The nets are hooked in the bottom, me boys, and we have to take her back.
The wings are up and they knock her out and the work comes rollin' in,
The spray comes slappin' in your face from the cold easterly wind;
As the net arises from the water, there's something wrong alright,
The wings are gone and the belly is ripped, we'll be mendin' her all night.
The wings are gone and the belly is ripped, we'll be mendin' her all night.
The names are passin' here at last, they're headed back to shore,
They fished the sea for thirteen days, a hundred thousand or more;
The money they make is not so great for the lives of these men,
Two days with their family and they'll be back there again.
Two days with their family and they'll be back there again.
Now many stories have been told about their bravery,
About who they have fought with the cold Atlantic Sea;
Of loved ones who have lost their lives we 'll see them no more,
But these brave men will fish again on God's great golden shore,
Yes, these brave men will fish again on God's great golden shore.
