17 - Bully In the Alley

Words by Traditional
Tune by Traditional

The general consensus is that 'bully' means 'drunk' and 'spliced' means 'married'. We've added some new verses to change the relationship dynamic from dilly-dallying, and give Sally more of an active role…which she's used to initiate a pre-voyage romp.

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley
Way, hey, bully in the alley
So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley
Bully down in Shinbone Al

Sally is the girl that I love dearly
Way, hey, bully in the alley
Sally is the girl that I spliced nearly
Bully down in Shinbone Al

So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley
Way, hey, bully in the alley
So help me Bob, I’m bully in the alley
Bully down in Shinbone Al

I went to tell my Sally dear
I hoped that she might shed a tear

So help me Bob…

Sweet Sally only shook her head
She took my hand, took me to bed

We tossed and tumbled all night long-o
In the morning the cock did crow-o

I left my Sal, went a-sailing
Signed on a big ship, went a-whaling

If ever I get back, she says we’ll marry
Have six kids and live in Shinbone Alley