Filler Up

by Micky Slinger

We were beatin’ up the channel seven days from Portsmouth fair
Beneath the Bastille batteries as close as we would dare
Though the wind was blowin’ with a fury from the beach
Even on the uproll our guns were out of reach
But just as we had tacked our cannons pointed at the sky
Excuse me sir it seems to me my tankard’s runnin’ dry

Oh filler up and drink it down and tell another tale
That’s always been the story since the day I learned to sail
I spent all my advance you see as every sailor does
So pay for my next pint and I’ll remember where I was

The call that was heard cross the decks came “fire as you bear!”
The shots rang out in unison and whistled through the air
We all gave a cheer before the bosuns call did sound
And the fighting tops reported the Bastille was falling down
But before we could enjoy it the call came down “A sail!”
It appears I’m empty sir I’ll need another ale

Oh filler up and drink it down and tell another tale
always been the story since the day I learned to sail
spent all my advance you see as every sailor does
pay for my next pint and I’ll remember where I was

Upon further inspection it was not one sail but three
And without course correction we’d soon fall under their lee
We tacked and fired right through the lot with two ships cast away
When the biggest ship I’d ever seen
Came sailing out the bay
She was twice the size and twice the men and twice again the guns
And sir with your permission I should like to try the rum

Oh filler up and drink it down and tell another tale
That’s always been the story since the day I learned to sail
I spent all my advance you see as every sailor does
So pay for my next pint and I’ll remember where I was

It was the bloodiest of battles the likes of which you never seen
and even just the thought of it leaves my skin turning green
Sadly on that note my friend I fear I’m bound for bed
The rum has left the cannon fire ringin’ in my head
But if you’ll meet me here tomorrow and if you will buy the round
I’ll tell you how the story ends and how I came to town.

Oh filler up and drink it down and tell another tale
That’s always been the story since the day I learned to sail
I spent all my advance you see as every sailor does
So pay for my next pint and I’ll remember where I was
And if you’ll meet me here tomorrow I’ll remember where I was…