Bonnie Ship the Diamond

About the Song

We often open a set with this traditional Scottish whaling song, as its always good to get the crowd going. The song itself dates back to the early 19th century, and tells the story of the whaling ship Diamond, which sailed from the port of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire. The ship, captained by John Gravill, was part of the Arctic whaling fleet that ventured to the Greenland whaling grounds. The song reflects the pride and hope of the sailors and their families as they embark on their perilous journey, with the promise of returning home with a bountiful catch.

The lyrics describe the departure of the Diamond, with the townsfolk waving farewell and the sailors' sweethearts shedding tears. The chorus emphasizes the bravery and determination of the crew, as well as their anticipation of the riches that await them upon their return. The song also mentions other famous whaling ships of the time, such as the Resolution, Eliza Swan, and Battler of Montrose. Tony, our lead often sings "Rattler of Montrose" but this was not an actual vessel at the time.

Unfortunately the Diamond, Resolution and Eliza Swan were among a number of whaling ships, caught and crushed in the ice flows of the Davis Straits in 1830. A.L Lloyd believed that the song predates the tragedy as it mentions The Battler of Montrose, and not the Rattler of Leigh, which was also lost in the tragedy.

The song has stood the test of time, being covered by many artists including A.L Lloyd, Ewan McColl, The Longest Johns and now us.

Lyrics (As sung by Tony)

The Diamond is a ship, me lads, for the Davis Strait we're bound

The quay it is all garnished with bonnie lasses 'round;

Captain Thompson gives the orders to sail the ocean wide

Where the sun it never sets, me lads, nor darkness dims the sky

Chorus (repeated after each verse):

And it's cheer up me lads, let your hearts never fail

For the bonny ship, the Diamond, goes a-fishing for the whale

Along the quay of Peterhead, the lasses stand around

With shawls all wrapped around them and their salt tears runnin' down;

Well don't you weep, my bonny lass, though you'll be left behind

For the rose will bloom on Greenland's ice before I change my mind

Chorus

Here's a health to the Resolution, likewise the Eliza Swan

Here’s a health to the Rattler of Montrose and the Diamond, ship of fame;

We wear the trousers of the white and jackets of the blue

When we get back to Peterhead, we'll have sweethearts anew

Chorus

It will be bright both day and night when Greenland lads come home

Our ship full up with oil, me lads, and money to our name;

We'll make the cradles for to rock and the blankets for to tear

And every lass in Peterhead sing: "Hushabye, my dear"

Chorus