Lyrics
Well the Diamond is a ship me lads, For the Davis Straits she's bound
The ship named Diamond is headed for the Davis Straits.
And around the the Quay at Petershead the lassies stand around
Women at Petershead's Quay gather as the ship prepares to depart.
Captain Gallows gives the orders to sail the ocean wide
Captain Gallows commands the voyage across vast oceans.
Where the sun it never sets, me lads, nor darkness dims the sky
Describing the region where the ship sails, emphasizing continuous daylight without darkness.
And it's cheer up, me lads
Encouraging the crew to stay optimistic.
Let your hearts never fail
Urging the crew to remain resolute.
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Refers to the Diamond as a beautiful ship.
Goes a-fishing for the whale
The Diamond is embarking on a whaling expedition.
All along the quay at Petershead, the lasses stand around
Reiterating the scene of women at Petershead's Quay bidding farewell.
Wi' their shawls all pulled about them and the salt tears running down
Depicts women crying as the ship departs.
Now don't you weep, my bonny lass, though you be left behind
Assuring a woman not to cry as circumstances will change.
For the rose will grow on Greenland's ice before we change our mind
Expresses optimism that even in difficult conditions, positive things can happen.
And it's cheer up, me lads
Encouraging the crew to stay positive despite challenges.
Let your hearts never fail
Reiterating the need for unwavering hearts during the expedition.
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Reaffirms the beauty and significance of the Diamond in its fishing mission.
Goes a-fishing for the whale
Reiterates the Diamond's purpose to fish for whales.
Here's the health to The Resolution, likewise The Eliza Swan
Toasting other ships along with the Diamond.
and Here's to The Battler of Montrose and The Diamond, ship of fame
Honoring various ships including the Diamond for their fame and bravery.
We wear the trousers of the white and the jackets of the blue
Describing the attire worn by the crew (trousers and jackets).
When we return to Petershead we'll ha'e sweethearts for you
Promising the women at Petershead sweethearts upon the crew's return.
And it's cheer up, me lads
Continued encouragement for the crew to stay optimistic.
Let your hearts never fail
Reiterating the need for steadfastness among the crew.
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Reaffirming the Diamond's significance in its fishing expedition.
Goes a-fishing for the whale
Restates the Diamond's purpose in fishing for whales.
It'll be bright both day and night when the Greenland lads come home
Anticipating a prosperous return with wealth from the Greenland expedition.
With a ship thats fu' o' oil, me boys, and money to our name
Describing the riches (oil and money) upon the crew's return.
We'll make the cradles for to rock and the blankets for to tear
Plans to provide for families back home upon their return.
And every lass in Peterhead sing,"Hushabye, my dear
Imagining women in Petershead singing lullabies when the crew returns.
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