Usually regarded as a capstan or pumping shanty, some collectors also give it for halyards.The

version here is almost the only one heard nowadays, but there is also a version where the sailor appears in the lover's dream. Although

the shanty has been traced at least as far back as 1860, there is no trace of any version with the dream before 1882, and the dead lover first appears in John Masefield's (later Poet Laureate) version in 'A Sailor's Garland' in 1906. ^[0]

Lyrics

I dreamed a dream the other night,

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

I dreamed a dream the other night,

Lowlands away.

I dreamed my love came in my sleep,

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

Her cheeks were wet; her eyes did weep.

Lowlands away.

She came to me as my best bride

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

All dressed in white like some fair bride.

Lowlands away.

And bravely in her bosom fair,

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

A red, red rose, did my love wear.

Lowlands away.

No sound she made - no word she said,

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

And then I knew my love was dead.

Lowlands away.

I bound her wreath around my head

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

For now I knew my love was dead

Lowlands away.

And then awoke to hear the cry,

Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John.

"Oh, watch on deck, oh, watch ahoy!"

Lowlands away.

^{[1] [2]}