The Bob Zentz Songbook: The Red Duster

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The Bob Zentz Songbook

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The Red Duster

From Closehauled on the Wind of a Dream

Adapted from the poetry of C. Fox Smith (1882-1954)

1. Now, some will save their Navy pay and take their ease ashore (C-F-G-C)

And some will sit at an office desk and go to sea no more (F-C-G7)

And some will follow the bloomin’ plow and hear the skylark’s song (C-F-G-C)

But, oh, it’s me for the old Red Duster, that’s where I belong (F-C-G7-C)

2. I’ll sign and sail in the Lord knows what, I’ll go the Lord knows where

From Hudson Bay, I’ll beat my way to the Straits of Olemare

From Pernum Buck to palumbang, I know I’ll not go wrong

So long’s I’m under the old Red Duster, that’s where I belong

3. I’ll take a turn in the Black Sea trade, a trip on the Gulf port tun

I’ll feel the bite of the Cape Horn cold and the burn of the Parhum sun

I’ll make the round of the blessed lot from gunfleet to Hong Kong

When I get back to the old Red Duster, that’s where I belong

4. I’ll ship aboard of the first that comes, any old thing will do

I don’t much care if she’s sail or steam, whether she’s old or new

There’ll benever a tramp too foul for me or a spout or smell too strong

So long as I’m under the old Red Duster, that’s where I belong

5. For Navy chaps are Navy chaps, good luck to all and one

And Navy ways are Navy ways, and now the fightin’s done

I’m sick at heart for shellback’s yarn, may old-time pals of mine

And, oh, it’s me for the old Red Duster, that’s where I belong

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