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about

Columbine Phoenix gave us this perennial favorite of the Boston Area Chantey and Maritime Sing. She's got the number of the ship's cat, who loves nothing better than his version of wine, women, and song!

lyrics

Now you've stowed your tack and taters for a sailor's feast to cater
Take a good exterminator when across the sea you rove
For your ship's as good as beaten if your food has all been eaten
And all I ask is shore leave and a place beside the stove

Chorus:
For starvation stalks the sea, but her minions run from me
I find them very tasty, and their teeth and claws don't matter
With more stripes than you'd survive, and three times as many wives
With four in the front and two in the back, I'm Six Foot Tom the ratter!

I don't need gold or copper, just a juicy rat for supper
I don't wear your silly clothing, I don't care for rum or corn
But if you chance to catch a fish, drop the head into my dish
And you've bought yourself a bunkmate when we go around the Horn!

(Chorus)

Those pampered Persian pretties can be very friendly kitties
In Siam the swelt'ring summer's not the only thing that's hot
The cool Norwegian forest's hosted many a feline chorus
And somewhere in Argentina there's a six-foot ocelot

(Chorus)

So make the right decision to protect your ship's provisions
And I'll bring you luck a-plenty, could a captain ask for more?
When you rove with Tom the Ratter soon your fortunes will grow fatter
Just ask any of the tabbies that I've dallied with ashore

credits

from From Boston Harbor, released June 9, 2022
© Hilda Marshall (Columbine Phoenix)

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Crosscurrents Music Boston, Massachusetts

Lynn Noel brings traditional song and heritage arts online to create community. Lynn has a voice of striking clarity and power, equally at home in rhythmic chanteys and flowing ballads.

Lynn is a respected song session leader on both sides of the Atlantic and the producer and host of the Mermaid's Tavern online folk club. She is currently Program Chair of the New England Folk Festival (NEFFA). ... more

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