Strike Up the Band (1900)

(Here Comes a Sailor)
a 1900 song depicting the popularity of sailors.
words by Andrew B. Sterling
music by Chas. B. Ward

This sailing song is sandwiched between Sailing, Sailing (1880) and the Sailor’s Hornpipe. It has been parodied many times over the years.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:


Lyrics

  1. Jack is the king of the dark blue sea
    Jack is as brave as the brave can be
    He’s the boy the girls adore
    Oh, what fun when Jack’s ashore!
    For he is the fellow can make things hum
    Oh, how they sigh when they see him come
    Loaded down with gold so bright
    Welcome home, Jack, you’re all right

Chorus
Strike up the band, here comes a sailor
Cash in his hand, just off a whaler
Stand in a row, don’t let him go
Jack’s a cinch, but every inch a sailor

  1. Jack on his ship o’er the sea has skimmed
    Jack on the sea has the sails well trimmed
    But when Jack is on the land
    He gets trimmed to beat the band
    For he has a sweetheart in ev’ry port
    Love to a sailor is rare old sport
    When he’s broke, it’s Jack good-bye
    When he’s flush, you’ll hear them cry:

Sung here by Fred Feild: