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Bully in the Alley


A halyard shanty of Caribbean origin which Hugill came across in the West Indies.
Cecil Sharp also found a version in Watchet, Somerset. Much discussion about
the meaning of the refrain: "Bob" may mean "God" as in "God help me"
"Bully" may mean "Drunk" or "Top Dog". While ashore, sailors did like to go out drinking,
usually in groups. And they may not all have the same capacity for drink, leading to one
sailor becoming incapacitated, or "Bully" while his mates were still willing to party on.
Until they were all ready to go back to the ship, they would have to stash their shipmate
someplace safe and out of the way, like the an alley. There were places called
Shinbone Alley in several Caribbean and US ports, one still exists in Maine, USA.

Music by - Musical Blades (Pirate Version)


Common Lyrics

Help me, Bob, I'm bully in the alley,
Way, hey, bully in the alley!
Help me, Bob, I'm bully in the alley,
Bully down in shinbone al!

Sally is the girl that I love dearly,
Way, hey, bully in the alley.
Sally is the girl that I spliced dearly.
Bully down in shinbone al

Help me, Bob, I'm bully in the alley,
Way, hey, bully in the alley!
Help me, Bob, I'm bully in the alley,
Bully down in shinbone al!

For seven long years I courted little Sally,
Way, hey, bully in the alley.
But all she did was dilly and dally.
Bully down in shinbone al

Help me, Bob, I'm bully in the alley,
Way, hey, bully in the alley!
Help me, Bob, I'm bully in the alley,
Bully down in shinbone al!

I ever get back, I'll marry little Sally,
Way, hey, bully in the alley.
Have six kids and live in Shin-bone Alley.
Bully down in shinbone al



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