Cruel by Kate Rusby Lyrics

Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me
Cruel was the pressgang that took him to the sea
Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand
And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away

Cruel was the water, that ship it sailed upon
Cruel was the fair wind, for now my loves he's gone
Had you blown a roaring gale they'd have left him on dry land
Where he would walk besides me and I would hold his hand
Haul away boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away

The ring beneath my pillow, is the ring he gave to me
I'll wear it on my finger, for all the world to see
But cruel was the captain, the bo'sun, and the men
For they didn't give a farthing if I saw my love again
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away
Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me
Cruel was the pressgang that took him to the sea
Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand
And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away