MISC COUNTRY - "loss of marian" Tablature

LOSS OF THE MARIAN 121



In 1915 on the 10th day of June
At Birks wharf the Marian lay
Prepared for the banks as custom to do
All loaded with capeland for bait

The wind from the northwest, a warm summer breeze
As Ike Jones to St Jacks he steered
And the boys in the fos'csle make plans for the night
When they all go ashore in St Pierre

Some were uneasy they'd be trouble they said
Cause Ike Jones was noted to fight
At the Cafe de France on the last trip he made
A Frenchman had threatened his life

The challenge to fight was issued that night
While the cheep french liquor ran free
The French captain them warned the Marian men
He would answer the challenge at sea

Next day the Marian set sail again
As so do the stories relay
The big French trawler weighed anchor as well
And followed close by in her wake

She's a Fortune Bay schooner heading out for the banks
With a fine crew of Fortune Bay ,men
But some on the Cape were rumored to say
She'd never be heard from again


The fate that befell the Marian crew
and the schooner will never be known
Not a trace of good tidings were ever again
To be heard from those waiting at home

Some say the Frenchman was true to his word
Some say he confessed 'fore he died
That he scuttled the Marian and settled the debt
Not taking one mon o'er the side

Families of Skinners and Boles and Miles
Grieve for their loved ones I'm sure
As the Newfoundland story of lost to the sea
As told of so often before

She's a Fortune Bay schooner sailing out from St Jacks
With a fine crew of Fortune Bay men
But never no more will she pass by the light
With her jib flapping into the wind.