We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Boston Harbour

from Homecoming by Alex Cumming

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Homecoming is the debut solo album from folk singer and accordionist Alex Cumming. This album explores the world of traditional song and dance music from both sides of the pond and takes you on an exciting and emotional journey through the thoughtful and intricate arrangements. The album is produced and recorded by Alex's long-time collaborator Pete Ord and features the incredible musicianship of fiddler Audrey Jaber, guitarist Max Newman along with various special guests.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Homecoming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days

      $20 USD or more 

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    5
    releases

    Get all 5 Alex Cumming releases available on Bandcamp and save 10%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Homecoming, The Fox, Isolation Sessions: The Songs, Clean Up Party, and Short Sharp Show: EP. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      $26.10 USD or more (10% OFF)

     

about

This is a song I finally got around to learning after many UK friends saying I should learn it when I moved to Greater Boston back in 2015. This version of the song was collected and published by Captain W.B. Whall in his 1910 book, Sea Songs & Shanties.

Thomas Shrugs March is a great tune written by pianist, singer and producer Thomas Bartlett, who is probably best known in the folk realms as a member of The Gloaming.

lyrics

From Boston Harbour we set sail,
The wind was blowing a devil of a gale,
With our ringtail set abaft the mizzen peak
And our Rule Britannia ploughing up the deep.

Big bow-wow! Tow-row-row!
Fol de rol de ri do day! x2

Up comes the skipper from down below,
He looks aloft, he looks alow,
He looks alow, he looks aloft,
And its “Coil up your ropes there, fore and aft!”

Then down to his cabin he quickly crawls,
And unto his steward he loudly calls,
“Go, mix me a drink that’ll make me cough,
For it’s better weather here than it is up aloft.”

While we poor sailors standing on the deck,
With the blasted rain all a-pouring down our necks;
Not a drop of grog would he to us afford,
But he damned our eyes at every other word

Now the beggar is dead and gone,
But darn his eyes, he’s left a son;
And if to us he doesn’t prove frank,
We’ll very soon make him walk the plank

And one thing which we have to crave,
That he may have a watery grave,
We’ll heave him down into some dark hole,
Where the sharks’ll have his body and the devil have his soul.

credits

from Homecoming, released February 28, 2024
Alex Cumming: Lead Vocals, Piano Accordion, Backing Vocals
Audrey Jaber: Fiddle
Max Newman: Acoustic Guitar
Pete Ord: Drums, Electric Guitar, Bass
Rosie Calvert: Backing Vocals
Cate Clifford: Backing Vocals
Catherine Haines: Backing Vocals
Laurel Swift: Backing Vocals
Mira Claire Whiting: Backing Vocals
Will Finn: Backing Vocals

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Alex Cumming image

Alex Cumming Brattleboro, Vermont

Alex Cumming is a traditional Singer, Accordionist, Pianist and dance caller hailing from England, now living in Brattleboro VT, USA. He performs songs and tunes from around the United Kingdom and America with a great depth of knowledge of the tradition. Alex has made his mark on the folk scene with his rhythmic dance-able accordion style, strong voice and his fun and engaging stage presence. ... more

contact / help

Contact Alex Cumming

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Alex Cumming recommends:

If you like Alex Cumming, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now