Got a tune in Sing Out Magazine, Winter Edition

[oneeyewillie]

Willie McCulloch, a native of Scotland, evokes the stark and violent images of whaling on the high seas, an important but dangerous maritime trade in his country’s history. A thoroughly traditional tale, “Haul Awa` Lads” takes an odd turn in the last line as McCulloch takes a step back from his subject matter and comments on the negative environmental impact of hunting whales and the inevitable loss of human life from an entirely modern and critical perspective.The song is on Auld Tales & New which was released by Now Records (#0619-2), available from 2414 Brutus Drive New Caney, Texas ; Ph: 281-399-1801 Sing Out! Magazine: Vol 50 #4:Winter 2007Haul Awa` LadsLyricsHaul Awa` Lads©, Willie McCulloch, 2004Haul awa` lads haul awa`Pull the mainsail up an` point her eastwardHaul awa` lads haul awa` Weel be sailin’ home taenightAn’ weel raise a glass tae the briny seaThe captain and all of the crewAn` the big blue whale that got awa`Weel raise a glass tae youV1 We made our way from the Shetland islesAn’ sailed tae the Arctic shoresFar awa’ from the highland lifeOor skin was cracked and soreThrough the icy waves we’d crashAn’ then the bell would ringFire your spears at the monster’s heartAn’ pull the devil inHaul awa` lads haul awa`Pull the mainsail up an` point her eastwardHaul awa` lads haul awa` Weel be sailin’ home taenightAn’ weel raise a glass tae the briny seaThe captain and all of the crewAn` the big blue whale that got awa`Weel raise a glass tae youWe cut the blubber and baleenFor lamps and clothes so fineThe sea ran red at the murder sceneA tragedy in timeWas all this toil and sacrifice?An’ souls lost in the gales?Worth the cost what ere the priceThe extinction o` the whales?Haul awa` lads haul awa`Pull the mainsail up an` point her eastwardHaul awa` lads haul awa` Weel be sailin’ home taenightAn’ weel raise a glass tae the briny seaThe captain and all of the crewAn` the big blue whale that got awa`Weel raise a glass tae you

[Casey H]

Hey Willie! Way ta go! Nice to hear from you again!Warm regards, Casey