While The Billy BoilsSearch(The barque Gwydyr Castle brought spirits and beer equalling 3000 barrels and thirty casks of ginger ale.)
Think of it, pals who parchUnder a thirsty sky,Think of it, mates who marchOut where the skeletons lie;Out where the old bones bleachLike ship-ribs smooth and grey,That litter the span of beachWhere the wreck-reef claims its preyThink of it, ye who loseYour thirst in a teamster’s pail —Three thousand barrels of boozeAnd thirty of ginger ale!
Picture that barque-rigged pubLoaded to plimsoll mark,Leaving the world’s great hub,Ramming the waters dark.Picture the gladsome spreesLocked in her groaning hold,Picture the great green seasThat over the grog-ship rolled.Think of that thirsty cruise,And a bulk-head, thin and frail —Three thousand barrels of booze,And thirty of ginger ale!
Think of the headaches vast,Down where the bilge-rats squeak,Where the bole of the straining mastSprings out of the gloom and reek.Think of the dead-men’s eyesStaring from depths below,As the liquor that millions prizeLurched over the heave and throw.Staring from wreck-strewn oozeAt the beer-barge under sail —Three thousand barrels of booze,And thirty of ginger ale!
Three thousand barrels of beer —Beer and whisky and wine,Hiccup and toast and cheer —Women whose arms entwine.Malt from the London vats,Burgundy red from France,To christen a few wild-catsOr liven a country dance.For the felon who fears the noose,Or the young bride shy and pale —Three thousand barrels of booze,And thirty of ginger ale!