Sailing up the Clyde

AKA
First Published 1928
Writer/composer Will Fyffe Roud RN24310

Music Hall Performers Will Fyffe
Folk performances Collected from the singing of:
Douglas, Charlie; Scotland : Roxburghsire; 1956
Modern performances
Alex Sutherland Singers, Andy Stewart etc		 

From Francis and Day's Album of Will Fyffe songs

Now I've been away for a long, long time 
Across the roving sea.
My father was a soldier lad 
So a sailor I would be.
Now I've had some sensations 
While away across the foam,
But the greatest thrill in all the lot 
Is when your're sailing home.

Aye, when you're sailing up the Clyde, 
Sailin up the Clyde,
Back to bonnie Scotland
Where your ain folk died*,
There's a lump comes in your throat
And a tear ye canna hide,
When you're rollin back to Scotland 
And your ain fireside.

Now my pals came down to see me off 
On the day I sailed away.
They brought a flask of whiskey 
That was made in U.S.A.
I said, "Goodbye, good luck, old pals. 
I'll see you in September"
I took one drink and then fell down
And the next thing I remember.

*Sheet music has "died" most seem to sing "bide"

Sailing up the Clyde was written and performed by Will Fyffe (1885- 1947), the man who wrote I belong to Glasgow. Fyffe was the son of a former ship’s carpenter: in his early career he was a versatile actor, but later concentrated on character comedy, appearing in the Halls and various films.

The song was first sung on the British stage in May 1928 at the Victoria Palace, Pimlico (The Stage, 31 May 1928).

The song was collected in 1956 by Francis Collinson and Ian MacLean Calum from the singing of Charlie Douglas

Will Fyffe sings it:

Sources: