Weary Cutters


Weary Cutters   (Joy)

No more cruel practice than that of impressment, seizing people and property for public service, could be exacted upon the men on shore whenever the Royal Navy was in need of seamen. At its height during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), press gangs (cutters) terrorized both residents and Jack Tar in all English ports where they forced or pressed men into service.  This is one of a number of songs from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, describing these unfortunate incidents in which women lament the loss of their men.

Tune copyright 2000, Joy Bennett

 

Chorus:

Oh the weary cutters they've taken my laddie from me

Oh the weary cutters they've taken my laddie from me


They've pressed him far away foreign with Nelson on the salt sea

They've pressed him far away foreign and taken my laddie from me


They always come in the night they never come in the day

They always come in the night to steal our laddies away


I'll give the cutters a guinea I can't give the cutters no more

I'll give the cutters a guinea to steal my laddie ashore