The Margaret Evans was a London packet ship (sailing between New York and London on a regular schedule). She was 899 tons, built 1846 in New York by Westervelt & MacKay and owned by E.E. Morgan. She continued sailing into the 1860s. The ship is celebrated in the chanty "Clear the track", also called "Clear the track, let the bullgine run" or simply "Margaret Evans". As many sailors signed on many different ships within their lives, they brought their songs along with them and many melodies and words were adapted and exchanged. Thats why remarkable derivations of "Clear the track", that originally was written about the "Margaret Evans", can be found (for further informations see "here" - accessed March 30, 2009). Thus, the music was passed on to more and more people.
The chanty was f.e. recorded by Alan Mills, by Gilbert Lacombe and by Four Shipmates (Musical group). You can listen to a sample of Alan Mills version of that chanty on the Website of "Smithsonian Global Sound" (accessed March 30, 2009).
Clear the track (lyrics)
O the smartest clipper you can find
A ho way ho are you 'most done
Is the Margeret Evans of the Blue Cross Line
So clear the track let the bullgine run
To me hey rig-a-jig in a low-backed car
A ho way ho are you 'most done
With Liza Lee all on my knee
So clear the track let the bullgine run
O the Margeret Evans of the Blue Cross Line
A ho way ho are you 'most done
She's never a day behind her time
So clear the track let the bullgine run
O we're outward bound for New York Town
A ho way ho are you 'most done
Them bowery gals we'll waltz around
So clear the track let the bullgine run
When we've stowed our freight at the West Street Pier
A ho way ho, are you 'most done
It's home to Liverpool then we'll steer
So clear the track let the bullgine run
O them bowery gals will give us fun
A ho way ho, are you 'most done
Chatham Street dives is home from home
So clear the track let the bullgine run
When we all get back to Liverpool town
A ho way ho are you 'most done
I'll stand ye whiskies all around
So clear the track let the bullgine run
O heave a pawl O bear a hand
A ho way ho are you 'most done
Just one more pull and make her stand
So clear the track let the bullgine run
O Liza Lee will you be mine
A ho way ho are you 'most done
I'll dress you up in silk so fine
So clear the track let the bullgine run
To me hey rig-a-jig in a low-backed car
A ho way ho are you 'most done
With Liza Lee all on my knee
So clear the track let the bullgine run
And when I'm home again from sea,
A -ho, way-ho, are you 'most done
Oh Liza, you shall marry me
So clear the track let the bullgine run
To me hey rig-a-jig in a low-backed car
A -ho, way-ho, are you 'most done
With Liza Lee all on my knee
So clear the track let the bullgine run
I'll stay with you upon the shore
A -ho, way-ho, are you 'most done
And back to sea will go no more
So clear the track let the bullgine run
To me hey rig-a-jig in a low-backed car
A-ho, way-ho, are you 'most done
With Liza Lee all on my knee
So clear the track let the bullgine run.