Corncrake

Originally written by fellow Bristolian Ian "Nobby" Dye of the Harry Browns of Bristol, the Corncrake pays homage to a General Steam Navigation of London vessel which frequently brought brandy, port, and wines to the city docks of Bristol in the 1960s.

Factoids
The Corncrake, or landrail, is a bird of the "rail" family whose sound is reportedly so loud and monotone that it is compared to "two cheese-graters rubbed together." Despite their name they do not, in fact, nest in corn fields.

Lyrics
These lyrics are based on the version performed by the Longest Johns in their Youtube video, the nearest source to the original lyrics (a transcription shared with a mudcatter by Ian himself) can be found here. The summer sky, the setting sun The Corncrake steams on the Bristol run Brandy for the waiters tray The sailors they have earned their pay {Chorus} O'er the sea to Bristol Town Loaded down the Brandy O O'er the sea to Bristol Town Loaded down the Brandy O, Brandy O {Chorus} Rolling in the deep green lay Towards the hills of Redcliffe Bay The Corncrake steams upon her way Through the moonlit night for the brake of day {Chorus} Then the Captain I heard tell That's the sound of the King's Road Bell Down the reach to the Harbourside Safe and sound from the Severn Tide {Chorus} We then made fast both fore and aft For the Corncrake, she's a pleasant craft Now ashore to have some fun Drinking from a bottle of rum {Chorus in a round til finish}