The Captain's Daughter

"The Captain's Daughter" is a Longest Johns original, written by Dave Robinson and released as the first track on Bones in the Ocean. Though originally led by Dave throughout, for the 10th anniversary recording, the lead alternated between all six Johns, with Dave and Josh splitting verse 4 and the others taking one verse each. It remains to be seen who will take regular lead of the song going forward, as it has not otherwise been performed since Dave's departure.

### Factoids

* **Batten down a hatch**: Prepare for inclement weather by securing hatch doors with wooden "battens" (thin strips of material used for multiple purposes aboard ship) to prevent water from entering.
* **Bo's'n**: A boatswain. A non-commissioned officer responsible for keeping the regular sailors in order.
* **Bring...to bear**: usually used in reference to aiming a cannon at something, bringing one's back to bear became slang for a sailor preparing to receive a flogging.
* **Captain's daughter**: A cat o' nine tails, a whip with several lashes used to administer martial punishment for grievous errors aboard ships.
* **Cat out of the bag**: See Captain's daughter.
* **Caught adrift**: a reference to inattentiveness.
* **Crow's nest**: A perch usually kept atop a mast, manned by a sailor for the purposes of warning of approaching dangers.
* **Drink**: Slang for the sea.
* **Jack**: A sailor.
* **Skipper**: A captain.
* **Signal flag**: A reference to semaphore, the code of coloured flags and positions used to signal between ships.
* **Tack**: In this context refers to a navigational course adjustment used to make the way easier; presumably, the captain was stubborn.

## Lyrics

>
> When I was just a lad of twelve, I joined a skipper's crew,
>
> To sail about the ocean wide, in search of treasures new
>
> But failed to batten down a hatch, I let in scores of water
>
> And that's when bo's'n introduced me to the captain's daughter
>
>
>
> {Chorus}
>
> Oh! The captain's daughter, she's a sight!
>
> She'll keep you up in the dead of night
>
> She'll make you weep 'till your eyes turn sore
>
> Like many other men before
>
>
>
> The captain was an older man, not known for changing\* tack
>
> He'd bring his daughter out for any ordinary Jack
>
> She'll make your skin shift colours faster than a signal flag
>
> So don't be caught adrift and let the cat out of the bag
>
>
>
> {Chorus}
>
>
>
> Well, out across the pond one day we heard the crow's nest call
>
> And down the mast came crashing, being struck by cannonball
>
> The captain stood there laughing, bid us stand to our last breath
>
> But we'd rather face his daughter than a terrifying death
>
>
>
> {Chorus}
>
>
> So onwards, to demise, she floats while we all beat to quarters
>
> "Abandon ship!" the first mate cried and jumped into the water
>
> "Belay that!" cried the captain, "I did not give those orders!
>
> Fish out that dog from in the drink and fetch him to my daughter!"
>
>
>
> {Chorus}
>
>
>
> Though years ago I'm still reminded of those awful days
>
> My wife reminds me of the lash in oh so many ways
>
> But between the two of them I know which brings more pain
>
> I'd rather bring my back to bear than see my wife again!
>
>
>
> {Chorus 2x}
>
>
>
>

\*The original EP release has "giving", but it was changed for subsequent releases and live performances

## Recordings

#### Streaming/Purchase

Original EP version

* Amazon Music
* Apple Music/iTunes
* Bandcamp
* Deezer
* Pandora
* Spotify

Commodore 1864 version

* Amazon Music
* Apple Music/iTunes
* Deezer
* Pandora
* Spotify

10 Year Anniversary Edition - 2023 arrangement

* Amazon Music
* Apple Music/iTunes
* Bandcamp
* Deezer
* Pandora
* Spotify
* Tidal

10 Year Anniversary Edition - Remixed

* Amazon Music
* Apple Music/iTunes
* Bandcamp
* Deezer
* Pandora
* Spotify
* Tidal

#### YouTube Videos

* Music Video
* Original EP version
* Commodore 1864 version
* 10 Year Anniversary Edition - 2023 arrangement
* 10 Year Anniversary Edition - Remixed

#### Gig Videos

* The Fleece, Bristol (18 Nov 2012)
* Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival 2014
* Yarmouth Maritime Festival 2017 (with Blakeneys Old Wild Rovers)
* Teign Shanty Festival, Teignmouth (28 Sep 2019)

#### Full Band Streams

* The Longest Johns, Album Launch gig/party (19 Jun 2018)
* The Longest Johns Streamtember (4 Sep 2019)
* Live Stream, All aboard the Good Ship Valentine(ish) with The Longest Johns (19 Feb 2020)
* Nice Stream Sundae (Wednesday) (1 Sep 2021)
* Stream of Mushroom Soup (23 Nov 2021)
* Heinz Baked Stream (14 Sep 2022)
* Davestream Beleaver (30 May 2023)

#### Gaming Streams

* DROPS! Sea of Sings! with BehavingBeardly! SHANT! - 30/10/2020