Jimmy first heard this sung by Barrie and Ingrid Temple at a Whitby singaround. They very kindly shared the words and explained some of the history of the song. Written by Barrie Temple and Steve Evans it tells the tale of the boats that used sail out of the now closed fishing port at Cullercoats Bay.
Hold The Lantern High
Cullercoats Sands are cold and bare
Many there must weep,
Say a prayer for those who share
The grief that they keep
Chorus
Hold the lantern high lad
Hold the lantern high
Catch your daddies eye laddie
Catch your daddies eye
There's none but us to rue his loss,
If he should not come home,
They're safe in bed, they do not fuss,
It's all the same to them
Chorus
Do not fear for you will hear
His shouts across the bay
Whether far or near, they will not fear
Your lantern lights the way
Chorus
Safe on shore he's home once more,
To sea he'll soon return,
Whether far or near, he will not fear,
As long as lanterns burn.
Chorus
Steve Evans/Barry Temple