This is a submission for the Summer Collab Comp on the Muses' Muse.     Music Neal Klassen, Lyrics Z. Mulls.  Copyright 2014

While researching convict ships departing Ireland for New South Wales, we came upon a notation for a Mr. James Hunt.    Mr. Hunt embarked on the convict ship the Eliza, sailing March 1829; he was “Sentenced to 12mths in irons on the roads after his wife Mary Hunt charged him with marrying another women, Ellen Welsh”   Every detail after that is sheer invention.

Production & Music:   Neal K
Vocals:   Z. Mulls (and the Captain's Kangaroos) 


LEAVING:   MARY AND ELLEN (& ELIZA)
 copyright Neal Klassen & Z. Mulls 2014



Hello me lads, we journey soon, so eyes now to the front
I’d like to introduce myself, I’m James, or Jimmy, Hunt
Let’s find a way to pass the time before the ship embarks
A four month voyage gives us all a chance for some remarks

I’d love to shake your hands lads if it weren’t for the chains
But I am not the sort of fellow ready to complain
You’re off to Sydney Harbor for a criminal career
But I am just a bigamist, in irons for a year


(Chorus)


I'm leaving darling Mary
I'm Leaving Ellen dear
Leaving on the Eliza
In irons for a year

My girls give me a smile
A year we'll be apart
But I'll be back to love you
And to give you each my heart


I was a country servant working for me board and bed
Sweet Mary was a serving maid and soon we two were wed
I promised her with all my heart forever and a day
But man he is a wanderer and evermore will stray

To Galway rode I once a week to fetch me master’s mail
And in the tavern met my Ellen pouring me an ale 
We married and then every week, we had a honeymoon
From Thursday supper through the night to Friday afternoon

(repeat chorus)

(musical break)

For Master’s mistress sent my Mary down to Galway Bay
And I was honeymooning at the closing of the day
These chains are on me cause my Mary found me with my Ellen
And straight off to the magistrate she went to do the tellin

So Danny you’re a shoplifter, and Hugh you’re stealin’ sheep
And Martin you take money from the lodgers as they sleep
And Tommy you’re a Ribbonman transported now for life
But I am with you for the pleasure of a second wife

(repeat chorus)


zmulls