Steven Harrison Paulus

*note:it has been said that the version

of this song done by Dave Van Ronk is the one

that inspired Lanegan to record it.  



A shanty man's life

Is a wearisome one

Though some say it's free from care

It's the swinging of an axe

From morning 'till night

In the forest wild and drear



Transported as we are

From a lady so fair

To the banks of some lonely stream

Where the wolf, bear, and owl

Give a terrifying howl

And disturb our nightly dreams



Oh sleeping at night

In our bunks without cheer

While the cold winter winds do blow

But as soon as the morning 

Star does appear

To the wild woods we must go



Had we ale, wine, or beer

Our spirits far to cheer

When we're in those woods so wild

Where a glass of whiskey shone

When we're in the woods alone

For to pass away our long exile



A shanty man's life

Is a wearisome one

Tho some say it's free from care

It's the swinging of an axe

From morning 'till night

In the forest wild and drear