Pay Me My Money Down

A traditional shanty originating among 19th century Black dockworkers in the American South. Its first known publication was in Lydia Parrish's book Slave Songs of the Georgia Sea Islands in 1942, though it is referenced as far back as 1888^[1]. It was popularized by Pete Seeger in the 1960s, and has been performed by numerous other artists.

The Longest Johns' original a cappella arrangement appears as the 10th track on Between Wind and Water, but in summer 2020, they debuted a new arrangement with instrumental accompaniment, including a harmonium solo by Robbie borrowed from They Might Be Giants' "Particle Man"; this version has since featured in streams, live sets, and a somewhat unconventional music video.

Lyrics

These lyrics are based on the version performed by the Longest Johns on their album, Between Wind and Water.

I thought I heard the captain say,
(Pay me my money down)
"Tomorrow is our sailing day."
(Pay me my money down) [continues throughout verses]

{Chorus}
Well, pay me! (pay me!) pay me! (pay me!)
Pay me my money down!
Pay me or go to jail!
Pay me my money down!

Well as soon as the boat was clear of the bar
The captain knocked me with a spar

{Chorus}

Well I wish I was a rich man's son
I'd sit by the river and drink dark rum (mm!)

{Chorus}

Well I wish I was Mr. Gates
They'd bring my money down in crates

{Chorus}

Well forty nights, nights at sea
The captain bled every last dollar out of me

{Chorus}

Recordings

Streaming/Purchase

Between Wind and Water version

Commodore 1864 version

YouTube Videos

Gig Videos

Full Band Streams

Gaming Streams

↑ https://www.vwml.org/record/RoudFS/S318268

[1] ttps://www.vwml.org/record/RoudFS/S318268

[1]