Story Behind The Song

Written for BBC Radio Song For Yorkshire.

Song Description

Capt James Cook the famous mariner sailed from Whitby to discover the coast fo Australia. These are the sights and activities that would have happend in Whitby during that time. The Endevour his ship was built in Whitby.

Lyrics

Whitby Harbour Key ? (Em)
A7 D G D
Blow the North winds across old Whitby harbour
D F# F7 A7
Tether the boats from the oncoming storm
D G D
Bright is the light that shines on the water
Em A7 D
Coal from the Tyne keeping families warm
2.
Ghosts of old sailors in wind swept old whalers
Finding safe harbour from Greenland?s cold shores
Young boys are racing to pull down the ribbons
Then head for the Straights to go whaling once more
3.
Sailor beware the red skies of morning
Unless you?re willing a high price you?ll pay
Strong arms are waiting and all for a shilling
King George?s navy will take you away
4.
An old Whitby Cat glides through the darkness
3000 gallons lie deep in her hold
Bound for the market and houses of Church Street
Gin, rum and tea to be traded for gold
5.
Blow the north wind across old Whitby Harbour
Captain James Cook has weathered the storms
Young men of Whitby sail on the Endeavour
South to Australia and round the Cape Horn
Chorus
A7 D G D
Build me a ship to sail across oceans
F# F7 A7
Give me fair wind and I?ll answer the call
D G D
Further than any man ever before me
Em A7 D
South to Australia around the Cape Horn