[Verse 1] Roll the barrel down the lane, me boys, Roll it down the lane! The dock’s too slick, but we’ve no choice, Roll the barrel down! It’s mead for the Captain, rum for the crew, Ale for the cook with a pot to brew, And if it spills—well, maybe two! Roll the barrel down! [Chorus – Call and Response] Call: Roll the barrel down, me lads! Crew: Roll the barrel down! Call: It’s half our pay and twice our glad! Crew: Roll the barrel down! All: Heave, ho, the tide’s come ‘round, Our boots are soaked but joy is found, Sing and laugh, we’ll make that sound— Roll the barrel down! [Verse 2] We loaded kegs by moonlight’s glow, The gator danced, the wind did blow, The cart gave way, the barrels go— Roll the barrel down! The bosun slipped, the mate did curse, The Captain laughed, “It could be worse!” We’ll tap it early, that’s our verse— Roll the barrel down! [Chorus – Louder and rowdier] Roll the barrel down, me lads! Roll the barrel down! It’s half our pay and twice our glad! Roll the barrel down! Heave, ho, and make it quick, The dock’s too steep, the floorboards slick, But spirits high will do the trick— Roll the barrel down! [Bridge – Spoken, with laughter between lines] Oh, the brewer cried, “You’re wastin’ stock!” We said, “It’s halfway down the dock!” He frowned, then grinned, “Well, don’t you stop— Just roll another ‘round!” [Verse 3] When work is done and stars all shine, We’ll pour a mug and call it fine, The sea’s behind, the night’s divine— Roll the barrel down! For every spill and every song, We’ll toast the crew who came along, For laughter keeps the weak hands strong— Roll the barrel down! [Final Chorus – Everyone shouting, mugs clinking] Roll the barrel down, me lads! Roll the barrel down! The gator’s drunk and the tide’s gone mad— Roll the barrel down! Heave, ho, and sing it proud, From farm to sea, we’ll cheer aloud, Our hearts are full, our heads unbowed— Roll the barrel down! (Outro – slow fade, humming refrain as waves lap against barrels) Roll the barrel down… Roll the barrel down…
