1576. The Flying Cloud (Traditional)

There are a number of versions of this ballad, the origin of which is unknown. Probably originating in Ireland, it became a favorite in New England and the Canadian Atlantic coast among seafarers. It may have begun as a 19th century apprentice song, with the themes of slavery and piracy tacked on later. It has been suggested (by Doerflinger) that the author of the ballad was influenced by a prose temperance pamphlet of 1830 entitled “Dying Declaration of Nicholas Fernandez, Who with Nine Others were Executed in front of Cadiz harbour, December 29, 1829 for Piracy and Murder on the High Seas“. One of the best known versions is that sung by Ewan MacColl, though it has been collected many times by American folklorists, including Alan Lomax. This song was requested by Pat Fowler. Lyrics and chords: A My name is Arthur Hollandin, as you may understand. .......................... D ......................... A ............................................ E7 I was born ten miles from Dublin Town down on the salt-