'Twas on a May bank holiday in 1989
We set sail from Penarth Pier to cross the foamy brine
The seagulls were a-calling and the weather it was fine
The sun shone bright a gentle breeze did blow
On board were me parents, brothers Simon John and me
We met a friend called Les as we got out to sea
We sailed on a paddle steamer that was called the Waverly
And we headed for Olde England where the cider apples grow

CHORUS
(Singing) Haul away boys haul away! Blow me bully boys blow
We headed for Olde England where the cider apples grow
(Repeated last line of verse)


We soon docked at Cleveden and as we got on to shore
Me parents quickly left us said they wanted to explore
Les told us all that he'd been to this town before
He said the Salthouse was the place to go
Soon we were at the Salthouse where to our delight we found
A barrel of scrumpy on the bar Les quickly bought a round
For four pints of the hard stuff they only charged three pounds
To get a taste of England where the cider apples grow

CHORUS

Simon got a second round while I still drank me first
John got a round then I did, well, just to quench me thirst
By the time we'd drunk a gallon each we were fit to burst
Bellies full and faces all aglow
Drinking all afternoon we were too drunk to suspect
This quantity of scrumpy would have much affect
It was only when we tried to stand we found that we were wrecked
As we tried to leave Olde England where the cider apples grow

CHORUS

We met my parents on the Waverly just as we set sail
I went down to the bar, I'm told, to grab a glass of ale
But me stomach it was stormy as we headed back to Wales
What with the boat a-rocking to and fro
Penarth's a town for gentle folk that can't be denied
But as the Waverly pulled in the first thing that they spied
Was me chucking my guts up over the ship's side
A belly full of England where the cider apples grow

CHORUS

Les and Si fell over in the middle of the street
And Les's nose was bleeding as we helped them to their feet
Still me parents took us home and gave us something to eat
Where Les became the second man to throw
Simon fell unconscious while the others took Les home
He offered round liqueurs which John should have left alone
When he came back he had to use the big white telephone
To tell a tale of England where the cider apples grow

CHORUS


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