The Final Trawl

"The Final Trawl" was written and originally recorded by Scottish folk singer and songwriter Archie Fisher in the 1970s, though his version wasn't ultimately released until his 2008 album "Windward Away". In the meantime, it was recorded by several other artists, and continues to be popular in the folk community. Of the lyrics, Fisher noted, "The death of a boat is the first casualty in the decline of a fishing community. This song is dedicated to all of the hardy fisherfolk at sea and ashore."

The Longest Johns recorded a video of the song with Kimber's Men, which was released to YouTube on 3 December 2025.

Factoids

Skerry is a Scottish word meaning a small, rocky island or reef.

Cran is a Scottish word for a measure of fresh herring — originally measured as a heaping barrelful, and ultimately standardized to 37.5 gallons (about 750 fish).

Lyrics

As performed in the video; the original lyrics are available here

It's been three long years since we made her pay
(Haul away, my laddie-o)
Now the owners say that she's had her day
(Haul away, my laddie-o) [continues throughout]

So heave away for the final trawl
It's an easy pull, for the catch is small

Now it's stow your gear, lads, and batten down
And I'll take the wheel, lads, and turn her 'round

We'll join the Venture and the Morning Star
Riding high and empty towards the bar

We'll, I'd rather beach her on the skerry rock
Than to see her torched in the breaker's dock

And when I die, you can stow me down
In her rusty hold where the breakers sound

And we'll make the haven and the Fiddlers' Green
Where the grub is good and the bunks are clean

For I've fished a lifetime, boy and man
And the final trawl scarcely makes a cran

Recordings

YouTube Videos

Music video