James Craig

James Craig’s moving now, sailing on the tide
Heave away my bully lads, get that yard up high
Said farewell to Queen St girlsKissed them all goodbye
Heave away my bully lads, it’s now our sailing time

I’ll tell you of the James Craig, a lovely ship of old
An iron barque, 1000 tonnes built so long ago
1874, christened Clan McCleod
Down the bay, that winter day, he builders were so proci

She sailed the oceans of the world for 20 years or more
Carried wheat, rice and coal to many a foreign shore
Yankee notions from New York for our shops and stores
Then back again, laden down with Kauri gum and wool

She was then sold me boys for Joseph James Craig
Sailing out of Auckland for the Tasman trade
Carries timbers from the mill to old Sydney town
Carried pine, Kahikatea timbers of renown

With a change of owner, she had a change of name
Now she sails the Tasman Sea as the James Craig
The Tasman is a stormy sea as everybody knows
James Craig revels there, weathers all the blows

She’s a ship, a proud ship, as bonny as can be
Pretty as a picture, plows the ocean deep
May she live forever, for all on her to see
James Craig sailing free for all her glory