A Bristol Eye
If you look real close with a Bristol eye
You'll see her history passing by
Wide rolling wake and storm set jib
Broad loosen'd gait and manner glib
A merchant ship sailing full and bye;
If you look real close with a Bristol eye.
If you look real close with a Bristol eye.
With a lighten'd gaze and a smile shy
And the promise held in the proffer'd stance
Is brought to bear in eternal dance;
She'll ease her hand with a gentle sigh
If you look real close with a Bristol eye.
If you look real hard with a Bristol eye
The flint will gleam and the pennant fly
She'll come about on a close haul'd tack
With a harden'd hand and a heart turn'd black
Her manner fraught and her hackles high;
If you look real hard with a Bristol eye.
If you look too close with a Bristol eye.
With canvas cropp'd she'll saunter by
Her pennant struck on a lower'd fall
She'll warp you firm by the harbour wall;
And keep you home when evening's nigh
If you look too close with a Bristol eye.
If you look back now with a Bristol eye.
Through the memory's weft of a mackerel sky
From a gentle boy to an old Shellback
No quarter ask'd and none give back;
Would you go again? Why Aye man Aye.
If you look back now with a Bristol eye.
© Reg Kear © Australia 1999.
