Northam's List

©Barry Wake

On the streets of Northam, time is passing by,
Living close together, families side by side,
Children playing in those streets, all is well you'd say,
Our men they work the liners to land so far away,
Our men they work the liners to lands so far away.

On a springtime morning, a new ship at the quay,
The safest liner ever, or so we should believe,
The finest crew were chosen by the White Star line,
When she left Southampton, no man had declined,
When she left Southampton, no man had declined.

When she sailed we worried, but life began again,
Days went by so slowly` wondering if or when,
Then across the wires, a list of names so long,
Fifteen hundred perished, all our hope was gone,
Fifteen hundred perished, all our hope was gone.

On the streets of Northam, time is standing still,
Joined in grief together for our six hundred killed,
They had done their duty, staying 'till the end,
But what's the use of heroes who never smile again,
What's the use of heroes who never smile again.