Lyrics
How the Ranks Was Won
Introduction to the title of the song: "How the Ranks Was Won"
on the first day the ranks was filled with the men from O'borrow hill
Initially, the ranks were filled with men from O'borrow hill.
on the second day the west wind wailed and the men threw up the sail
Men responded to the west wind by hoisting the sail.
on the third day the chilly breeze was an iceberg in the sea
The chilly breeze felt as cold as an iceberg in the sea.
on the fourth day the setting sun was a sign that the day was done
The setting sun indicated the end of the day.
how long till the ranks was won?
Questioning how much time it will take to achieve victory in the ranks.
on the fifth day they danced their feet top the cabin where the major sleeps
Dancing leads them to the cabin where the major sleeps.
on the sixth day they crossed the line sweetheart, men, child and wives
They crossed a line together, including sweethearts, men, children, and wives.
on the seventh day the ranks was calm but a calm don't last for long
The calmness within the ranks won't last for long.
how long till the ranks was won?
Reiterating the query about the duration until victory in the ranks.
look out look up, child
Alerting someone to look out and up, possibly a child.
and feel that wind upon your back
Sensing the wind against one's back.
a little secret on your back
Hinting at a concealed or hidden truth carried on one's back.
so now you know just why we left
Explaining the reason for departure, implying now the listener knows.
long day when the ship was found a young child saw it run aground
A ship was found aground when a young child witnessed it.
long walk down an empty beach to a ladder that climbed and reached
A long walk along an empty beach leads to a ladder.
long stretch of his cabin neck when he rose right on the deck
The young child observed someone rising on the deck of a cabin.
long look, and then it comes,
A prolonged gaze, followed by a crucial event.
and that's how the ranks was won
Summarizing that this sequence of events led to the victory in the ranks.
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