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HILLS OF ISLE AU HAUT

Words and Music © 1965 Gordon Bok

Lead and guitar: Richard
Fiddle: Peter
Concertina: Ricky Rackin

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Isle au Haut is a small island on the eastern fringe of Penobscot Bay, located roughly halfway up the Maine coast. Named in 1604 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the name literally translates as "the high island."

LYRICS:

It's away and to the westward
Is a place a man should go
Where the fishing's always easy
They've got no ice or snow

Chorus:
But I'll haul down the sail
Where the bays come together
Bide away the days
On the hills of Isle au Haut

Chorus

Now the Plymouth girls are fine
They put their hearts in your hand
And the Plymouth boys are able
First-class sailors every man

Chorus

Now the trouble with Martir
You don't try her in a trawler
For those Bay of Biscay swells
They roll your head from off your shoulders

Chorus

It's away and to the westward
Is a place a man should go
Where the fishing's always easy
They've got no ice or snow

Chorus

Now the winters drive you crazy
And the fishing's hard and slow
You're a damn fool if you stay
But there's no better place to go

Chorus

The girls of Cascais
They are strong across the shoulder
They don't give a man advice
They don't want to cook his supper

Chorus