Cask and Crew

words and music by Magdalene van den Velde
Dedicated to the household of the White Star, GWW, October 2004

Here’s a toast to the household of the White Star,
And good fortune in all that we may do.
Oh, now raise your tankards high to the bright star in the sky
And to all those of the White Star, brave and true.

Oh, the lord of this fine vessel is the fearless Captain Lot,
Who’s as generous a man as there may be,
Coupling cargo relocation with his ship’s quick transportation
To ensure a healthy world economy.

Here’s a toast to the captain of the White Star, etc.

Caterina di Cellini was a fair Italian maid,
And as fine and as gracious as you please,
But a sailor wooed her hand, so she left her native land
And established then our villa in Cadiz.

Here’s a toast to the lady of the White Star, etc.

Of a young, ambitious lawless lad, oh Quintin is his name,
With a sword in hand is ever at his ease.
In a tavern he was drinking when the brawling got him thinking
He’d be safer out upon the seven seas.

Here’s a toast to the first mate of the White Star, etc.

Solemn Mordechai ben Avraham’s a man of mystery;
Over land and sea forever will he roam.
While the morning fog is clearing, he’ll be at the wheel steering
Us through shark-infested waters safely home.

Here’s a toast to the helmsman of the White Star, etc.

When whistle blows the crewmen all assemble ‘fore the mast
For good Mariam has taken up that role.
While her hands are busy knitting she shouts orders ‘cross the rigging
All to keep the ship and crew under control.

Here’s a toast to the Bosun of the White Star, etc.

Long ago a kilted Jamie somehow wandered on the ship
But his skills have never made us question why.
To this man from north the border you just point and give the order
And your will is done ere you can blink an eye.

Here's a toast to a sailor of the White Star, etc.

Now a poor and captive sailor is good Marcos de la Cruz
And in scrubbing down the deck he gets full marks,
But the orders sound out louder for to fill the guns with powder
For protection from those fierce and deadly sharks.

Here’s a toast to a monkey of the White Star, etc.

An Italian Professore in the villa ye may find;
For a teacher, Giacomo is our man.
With our hearts forever burning for the swordplay we are learning,
Oh, we fight him just as often as we can.

Here’s a toast to the swordsman of the White Star, etc.

Big Pete, Pete and Wee Pete are some sailors worth their salt
Though the joke they tell is getting rather old,
But when you need assistance, there’s a Pete in shouting distance
And they stack so very nicely in the hold.

Here’s a toast to the Petes on board the White Star, etc.

Our friend Big Dickie Kingswood has been hiding in the hold
For he hasn’t paid his passage in a year.
But we turn our eyes aside and we let the matter slide
For he brings us Irish whiskey, scotch and beer.

Here’s a toast to the stowaway of the White Star, etc.

Now a tuber from the new world somehow merited a verse
Though potatoes by themselves are rather bland,
But with Cat's tasty seasoning you'll never fault our reasoning
To break our fast with them each time we can.

Here's a toast to the taters of the White Star, etc.

Lastly Magdalene of Flanders is the doctor of the ship,
And the job to keep our bodies well is hers.
With a box of herbal lotions she goes sailing ‘cross the oceans
For adventures to immortalize in verse.

Here’s a toast to the physic of the White Star, etc.

Oh now there are many others that I haven’t mentioned here
For indeed I haven’t know you very long.
But with slight alteration I’ll be struck with inspiration,
And next time you’ll be included in this song.

Here’s a toast to all others of the White Star, etc.

And here’s a toast to the household of the White Star,
And good fortune in all that we may do.
Oh, now raise your tankards high to the bright star in the sky
And to all those of the White Star, brave and true!