15

Newfoundland folk song
2003
Winterton, Newfoundland, Canada

16

The words of I's the bye, a traditional Newfoundland song, summarize the traditional lives of fishermen and boatbuilders of the province.

Sound clip:
I's the bye that builds the boat
And I's the bye that sails her
I's the bye that catches the fish
And sends 'um home to Liza

Hip yer partner Sally Tibbo
Hip yer partner Sally Brown
Fogo, Twillingate, Morton's Harbour
All around the circle

Sods and rinds that cover yer flake
Cake and tea for supper
Cod fish in the spring a the year
Fried in maggoty butter

I don't want yer maggoty fish
That's no good fer winter
I can buy as good as that
Down in Bonavista

I took Liza to a dance
Fast as she could travel
Every step that she did make
Was up to her knees in gravel

Hip yer partner Sally Tibbo
Hip yer partner Sally Brown
Fogo, Twillingate, Morton's Harbour
All around the circle