FIRE DOWN BELOW
Traditional


Fire in the galley, fire in the house,
Fire in the beef kid, scorching the scouse.
Fire, fire, fire down below,
Fetch a bucket of water,
Fire down below.

Fire in the cabin, fire in the hold,
Fire in the strong room melting the gold.
Fire, fire, fire down below,
Fetch a bucket of water,
Fire down below.

Fire round the capstan, fire on the mast,
Fire on the main deck, burning it fast.
Fire, fire, fire down below,
Fetch a bucket of water,
Fire down below.

Fire in the lifeboat, fire in the gig,
Fire in the pig-stye roasting the pig.
Fire, fire, fire down below,
Fetch a bucket of water,
Fire down below.

Fire in the store room spoiling the food,
Fire on the orlop burning the wood.
Fire, fire, fire down below,
Fetch a bucket of water,
Fire down below.

Fire on the waters, fire high above,
Fire in our hearts for the friends that we love.
Fire, fire, fire down below,
Fetch a bucket of water,
Fire down below.


Beefkid = small wooden tub in which beef salt is served.
scouse = mixture of salt beef and crushed biscuit.
orlop = the name of a lower deck.



(Contributed by Andy & Mogg - August 2003)