Padstow Drinking Song
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A traditional drinking song well-represented in early 19th-century broadsides, with extant examples dating back to the 1810s.[1] Some early versions specifically toast "George our King" (George III) and "his consort Charlotte our queen", placing its origins at least no later than Charlotte's death in 1818.[2]
[NB: At least one other apparently unrelated song exists under the titles "Push the Bowl About"/"Pass Around the Grog"; the Roud index seems to try to separate them between numbers 1252 and 5384, but the examples listed under each number are so mixed up that I'm not even sure which number is meant to be which song. I can only take solace in the fact that more experienced researchers than I are also confused. -Ed.]
The Longest Johns released their version on the second Pieces of Eight collection, Alehouse.
Factoids
Though the song has appeared throughout Great Britain, it became specifically associated with Padstow in Cornwall when an example was collected there in 1966 and, as the title was not known, published as "Padstow Drinking Song".[3]
Lyrics
As performed on the EP.
Pass around the grog, my boys, and never count the score
Drink the good old liquor down, we'll boldly ask for more
{Chorus}
For 'tis he who will not merry, merry be
Shall never taste of joy
See, see, the Cape's in view
And forward, my brave boys
Here's a health unto her majesty, and ever may she reign
Queen of all the seven seas and the pride of the Spanish main
{Chorus}
And a health to every roving tar from England to Shanghai
May their plate be loaded full and cup never run dry
{Chorus}
But one thing more I'll ask of you, before we count the score
Give to me the girl I love and the key to the cellar door
{Chorus}