Pyrates! have requisitioned countless well known folk tunes from sailors of ages past including songs of the sea, Bawdy Ballads, Jaunty Jigs, Irish Ditties, Sea Shanties, Drinking Songs and arr’cappella folk tunes that’ll be sure ta have yez tappin’ yer foot and singing along in no time!
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Bell Bottom Trousers
Pyrates! Lyrics
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Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
Once there was a waitress In the Prince George Hotel
Her mistress was a lady And her master was a swell
They knew she was a simple girl And lately from the farm
And so they kept a careful eye on her To keep her safe from harm
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
The Forty Second Fusiliers Came marching into town
And with them came a complement Of rapists of renown
Many a maid a mistress and wife before them fell
But they never made the waitress From the Prince George Hotel
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
One day there came a sailor. Just an ordinary bloke
A bulging at the trousers. With a heart of solid oak
At sea without a woman For seven years or more
There wasn′t any need to ask What he was looking for
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
He asked her for a candlestick To light his way to bed
He asked her for a pillow To rest his weary head
And speaking to her gently. Just as if he meant no harm
He asked her if she'd come to bed Just so′s to keep him warm
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
She lifted up the blanket And a moment there did lie
He was on her. He was in her In the twinkling of an eye
He was out again. and in again. And plowing up a storm
And the only words she said to him: "I hope you're keeping warm."
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
Then early in the morning The sailor he arose
Saying here's a two pound note. My dear, for the damage I have done
If you have a daughter. Bounce her on your knee
If you have a son. Send the blighter out to sea
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
Now she sits beside the dock, a baby on her knee
Waiting for the sailing ships a-comin′ home from sea
Waiting for the jolly tars in navy uniforms
And all she wants to do, my boys, is keep the Navy warm
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
The song "Bell Bottom Trousers" by Pyrates! is a narrative about a waitress who falls in love with a sailor who seduces her in the Prince George Hotel. The song features a catchy chorus with the line "Singing the bell bottom trousers, coat of navy-blue, let him climb the rigging like his daddy used to do." This line is repeated throughout the song and serves as a reminder of the sailor's profession and heritage. It is also a reference to the sailor's outfit, which includes bell bottom trousers and a coat made of navy-blue wool.
The narrative begins with the introduction of the waitress, who is described as a simple girl from a farm. She works at the Prince George Hotel, where her mistress and master take care of her. The song then introduces the Forty Second Fusiliers, a group of rapists who terrorize the town, but are unable to harm the waitress. The story then takes a romantic turn when a sailor arrives and seduces the waitress. The two spend a passionate night together, after which the sailor pays the waitress for her services and leaves her behind. The waitress is left with a baby on her knee waiting for the jolly tars in navy uniforms, hoping to keep them warm.
Overall, the song is an example of a traditional folksong with a narrative structure. It paints a vivid picture of the lives of sailors and working-class women during a bygone era. The lyrics are clever and tongue-in-cheek, with a catchy melody that is easy to sing along to.
Line by Line Meaning
Singing the bell bottom trousers, Coat of navy-blue
Celebrating the attire of sailors in the Navy
Let him climb the rigging Like his daddy used to do
Encouraging a young sailor to follow in his father's naval footsteps
Once there was a waitress In the Prince George Hotel
Introducing a simple girl who works at a hotel
Her mistress was a lady And her master was a swell
Describing the high social status of the girl's superiors at the hotel
They knew she was a simple girl And lately from the farm
Acknowledge the girl's humble origins and lack of sophistication
And so they kept a careful eye on her To keep her safe from harm
Highlighting the protective nature of the girl's employers
The Forty Second Fusiliers Came marching into town
Introducing a regiment of soldiers as a new element in the story
And with them came a complement Of rapists of renown
Revealing the unsavory reputation of some of the soldiers
Many a maid a mistress and wife before them fell
Implying that some women were victims of the soldiers' misconduct
But they never made the waitress From the Prince George Hotel
Suggesting that the girl managed to avoid being assaulted by the soldiers
One day there came a sailor. Just an ordinary bloke
Introducing a new character, a regular sailor
A bulging at the trousers. With a heart of solid oak
Describing the sailor's physical and emotional traits
At sea without a woman For seven years or more
Revealing the sailor's long absence from female companionship
There wasn't any need to ask What he was looking for
Implying that the sailor was seeking sexual intimacy
He asked her for a candlestick To light his way to bed
Beginning the sailor's seduction of the girl
He asked her for a pillow To rest his weary head
Continuing the sailor's efforts to put the girl at ease
And speaking to her gently. Just as if he meant no harm
Conveying the sailor's soothing and persuasive manner
He asked her if she'd come to bed Just so's to keep him warm
Making a direct proposal for sexual intercourse
She lifted up the blanket And a moment there did lie
Describing the beginning of the physical encounter
He was on her, He was in her In the twinkling of an eye
Using a poetic phrase to describe the rapidity of the lovemaking
He was out again, and in again. And plowing up a storm
Continuing the description of the passionate sexual act
And the only words she said to him: 'I hope you're keeping warm.'
Portraying the girl's simple response to the sailor's intense sexual energy
Then early in the morning The sailor he arose
Describing the aftermath of the lovemaking
Saying here's a two pound note. My dear, for the damage I have done
Suggesting that the sailor feels a sense of responsibility for his actions
If you have a daughter. Bounce her on your knee
Concluding the sailor's interaction with the girl in a somewhat paternalistic manner
If you have a son. Send the blighter out to sea
Offering contrasting advice about how to deal with male offspring
Now she sits beside the dock, a baby on her knee
Introducing the final image of the girl as a mother
Waiting for the sailing ships a-comin' home from sea
Suggesting that the girl is longing for the return of her lover as well as others in the Navy
Waiting for the jolly tars in navy uniforms
Describing the girl's preference for men in the Navy
And all she wants to do, my boys, is keep the Navy warm
Closing the song with a playful reference to the girl's sexual desire for sailors
Writer(s): David Gedrych
Contributed by Lauren F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pyrates!
Arrr! nice footage me'earty :)