The grey funnel line

by cyril tawney

Cyril Tawney wrote this song in 1959 before leaving for the Royal Navy. The Grey Funnel Line was a euphemism for the Navy, likening it to commercial sailing companies, such as the Blue Funnel Line or the Black Ball Line. This is a slightly shortened version of the song, arranged for two voices, based on the version sung by Maddy Prior and June Tabor (below).

Don't mind the rain or the rolling sea

The weary night never worried me

But the hardest time in a sailor's day

Is to watch the sun as it dies away

Here's one more day on the Grey Funnel Line

The finest ship that sails the sea

Is still a prison for the likes of me

But give me wings like Noah's dove

I'd fly up harbour to the girl I love

Here's one more day on the Grey Funnel Line

Oh once my heart was wild and free

Like a flashing spar on the open sea

But now that spar has washed ashore

And come to rest at my true love's door

Here's one more day on the Grey Funnel Line

Oh Lord if dreams were only real

I'd feel my hands on that wooden wheel

And with all my heart I'd turn her round

And tell the boys that we're homeward bound

Here's one more day on the Grey Funnel Line

I'll pass the time like some machine

Until the waters turn to green

Then I'll dance on down that walk ashore

And sail the Grey Funnel Line no more