Song Ambassador
MMBC’s Programs Staff
Origin
varies
Time Period
19th century
Song Type
Ballad
Welcome to the 2024 Sea Song Showdown fundraiser. We’re singing our hearts out to raise money for our educational and interpretive programs at the Maritime Museum of BC!
To put the “fun” in “fundraiser”, we’re showcasing eight classic sea songs performed by maritime organizations in weekly matchups until 24 June; follow along on our blog and social media to see which sea song is this year’s favourite. All campaign proceeds go directly to support our programs, but you can let us know which sea song inspired your donation by voting each week.
The Maritime Museum of BC’s Programs Staff present a ballad with a twist ending that has competing versions from Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia and America, called “The Maid on the Shore”. Sometimes interpreted as depicting a siren or mermaid with magical powers, we’re using a version where the titular character is extraordinarily resourceful and determined to escape the sailors who have kidnapped her, yet still human.
Sea songs cover a range of narratives, characters, and formats. Although many traditional shanties and songs are from a sailor’s perspective and describe working life and the dangers of the Age of Sail–unpredictable weather, battles, or sea creatures–there are some, like “The Maid on the Shore” that spin an adventure narrative from the perspective of a woman. In these songs, the danger depicted is often the treachery of sailors and men. Regardless of the narrator, folk song tradition does not require the performer to sing only from their own perspective; pronouns and perspectives relayed in the verse are often retained no matter who is singing.
The Lyrics
There are many versions and arrangements for this song. We’re using these lyrics:
There was a young maiden who lived all alone,
She lived all alone on the shore-o.
There was nought she could find that would comfort her mind
But to roam all alone on the shore, shore, shore,
But to roam all alone on the shore.
There was a young captain who sailed the salt sea,
Let the winds blow high or blow low-o.
“O, I’ll die! O, I’ll die!” the captain did cry,
“If I don’t get that maid on the shore, shore, shore,
If I don’t get that maid on the shore.”
“I’ve got lots of silver, I’ve got lots of gold,
And I’ve got lots of costly ware-o.
I’ll divide, I’ll divide,” the captain did cry,
“If they’ll bring me the maid from the shore, shore, shore,
If they’ll bring me the maid from the shore.”
The night being so still and the water so calm,
Let the winds blow high or blow low-o.
She sang charming and sweet, so neat and complete,
She sang sailors and captain to sleep, sleep, sleep,
She sang sailors and captain to sleep.
Then she robbed him of silver, she robbed him of gold,
She robbed him of costly ware-o.
She stole his broadsword for to make her an oar
And she rowed herself back to the shore, shore, shore,
And she rowed herself back to the shore.
“Now your men must be so mad and your men must be sad,
Your men must be deep in despair-o
For I’ve robbed you of silver and I’ve robbed you of gold
And again I’m a maid on the shore, the shore,
Again I’m a maid on the shore.”
From the 2024 No Walk in the Woods: The History of the West Coast Trail exhibit:
Minnie Paterson proved her fortitude and bravery many times over during her life at Cape Beale Lighthouse, where she lived with her husband, Thomas Paterson, the lighthouse keeper, and their seven children.
In the aftermath of the wreck of the Valencia, Minnie provided aid to one of the groups of survivors as well as raising the alarm that alerted the rest of the world to the unfolding horror. A year later, she was thrust into the role of rescuer, once again.
Thomas spotted the Coloma in distress, battered by the waves, her rigging torn away. The telegraph lines were down, a common issue during the winter, and Thomas couldn’t leave his post. If they were going to help, it would be up to Minnie. Wearing her husband’s shoes, she set out towards Bamfield, an arduous six-kilometer hike, even in the best weather. Minnie struggled through the dark and the storm with her dog Yarrow as her only company.
It took four hours for her to reach help. Arriving in Bamfield. Minnie met up with Annie McKay, the wife of the telegraph keeper. The two of them rowed through the waves out to the CGS Quadra to alert the crew. Rather than stay in Bamfield to rest, Minnie turned right around to make the walk back to care for her young children.
Archival document: BC Provincial Lottery ticket featuring Minnie Paterson. MMBC Vertical Files, Paterson, Minnie.
