Blow the Man Down
Harry H Corbett Lyrics
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To me way, hay, blow the man down!
A flash looking packet I chanced for to meet
Oh, gi' me some time to blow the man down!
(after each verse): Blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
To me way, hay, blow the man down!
Blow him right back to Liverpool town
She was bowlin' along with the wind blowin' free
She clewed up her courses an' waited for me
She was round in the counter and bluff in the bow
So I hold in all sailing, cryin', well enough now
Where she did hail from I really can't tell
But I gave her my flipper, we're both bound for hell
Come all you young sailors, take warning by me
Never take a young Liverpool gal on your knee
The song "Blow the Man Down" by Harry H. Corbett is about a chance encounter with a woman on Paradise Street who appears to be looking for a good time. The song employs maritime language and terminology, as it is told from the perspective of a sailor walking down the street. The woman is described as a "flash looking packet," and the sailor asks for some time to "blow the man down," a reference to a familiar sea shanty.
As the sailor and the woman make their way to a private space, the lyrics describe her as a skilled sailor, capable of maneuvering the ship in rough conditions. Despite her prowess, the sailor recognizes that the woman may be trouble, as he gives a warning to other young sailors not to get involved with a Liverpool girl, lest they end up in hell.
While the song may seem playful on the surface, it also touches on the dangers and risky behaviors that sailors and other travelers may encounter while on shore leave. It also highlights the differences in social class and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated spaces.
Line by Line Meaning
As I was a-walkin' down Paradise Street
While taking a walk along Paradise Street
To me way, hay, blow the man down!
An exclamation used to express a sense of delight or excitement
A flash looking packet I chanced for to meet
I encountered an attractive young lady
Oh, gi' me some time to blow the man down!
Please give me a moment to court her
Blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
A repeated refrain used to emphasize the importance of the main idea
She was bowlin' along with the wind blowin' free
She moved gracefully with the wind in her hair
She clewed up her courses an' waited for me
She prepared for my arrival
She was round in the counter and bluff in the bow
Her figure was well-built and striking
So I hold in all sailing, cryin', well enough now
I refrained from pursuing her further, admitting defeat
Where she did hail from I really can't tell
I don't know where she came from
But I gave her my flipper, we're both bound for hell
I made a bold move and we embarked on a risky adventure together
Come all you young sailors, take warning by me
A piece of advice directed towards young sailors
Never take a young Liverpool gal on your knee
Don't get romantically involved with a girl from Liverpool
Contributed by Kaitlyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hariseldon2577
As I was a walking down Paradise street.
A flash looking packet I chanced for to meet.
She was bowling along with her wind blowin' free.
She clewed up her courses and waited for me.
She was round in the counter and bluff in the bow.
So I hauled in all sail and cried were are you up now.
Where she did hail from I really can't tell.
but I gave her my flipper we're both bound for hell.
So all you young sailors take warning by me.
Never take a young Liverpool girl on your knee.
@lillianflorence6056
Good
@patrioticarchive
Would never of guessed it was Harry Corbett by the voice alone. Great actor and singer
@lillianflorence6056
Albert , sang the decimal song, to
@seanmitten3062
great actor, great man ! Respect also to Wilfred Bramble who worked with Harry for many years in the classic Steptoe & Son ! British Icons in the entertainment world , these guys , the carry on actors / actresses , Diana Dors , Freddie Starr , - these Legends will Never be replaced , forgotten .........
@Londonfogey
'Aw Gawd, you.....DIRTY....little MAN!!!'
@kennyguitarallen5662
loved it,didn't realise what a good singer he was
@rumblefishization
god bless i could remembre "...blow him right back to Liverpool town" and so i was able to find this version again, Harry voice is just too good and the chore ... everything is there
@salmarham8630
Fantastic version. Love it!
@hariseldon2577
As I was a walking down Paradise street.
A flash looking packet I chanced for to meet.
She was bowling along with her wind blowin' free.
She clewed up her courses and waited for me.
She was round in the counter and bluff in the bow.
So I hauled in all sail and cried were are you up now.
Where she did hail from I really can't tell.
but I gave her my flipper we're both bound for hell.
So all you young sailors take warning by me.
Never take a young Liverpool girl on your knee.
@220274mark
Just heard this on radio 2