Yes, Aubrey is a wonderful.  Many sing folk songs, but Aubrey is a genuine folklorist.  She has the unique ability to give life to lyrics that feel old and staid.  In fact, I heard her perform both of the tunes you mention within the last couple of weeks!

Thanks Dusty...not really (so many) years.  I think I discovered it maybe 2 or 3 years ago when I heard Aubrey (see below) play it, but I went home to find I had already had 2 versions of it on CDs...by Kate Rusby and Wailin' Jennys....Aubrey did a couple of other sea--songs at that workshop and I raced home to google them to learn more about them. "the World is Old Tonight" and "The Jamestown Homeward Bound".  I urge you to find all 3 as sung by her! Talk about CLEAR voice.  I'm awed by her!

Val (FOTMD) gave me some more insights into the ship that is referenced in the song I mentioned.  Facinating history with an Irish connection.

T he ' Jamestown '  Homeward Bound  comes from Joanna Colcord's book Songs of American Sailormen , and refers to the sloop of war built in 1844 which three years later was sent to Ireland with supplies to help relieve the famine.

I can't tell you how often I start to learn a new song only to find out you've been playing it for years.  This is really pretty, Janene. Your voice is especially clear, like church bells on a cold morning.

And you seem to be part of the trend.  A lot of people are doing this old sea shanty as a slow ballad.  I've been particularly taken by the vocal versions by Rising Appalachia and The Wailin' Jennys.

I really like your version of this song, Janene! 

10/25/19 10:41:07AM @janene-millen :

First heard this song in a workshop given by Aubrey Atwater. Highly recommend anyone listening to her version.  I do it fingerpicked and slower...and worked out my own accompaniment to accommodate my voice. Please notice the lyrics of the 2nd verse: "Come White-stocking Day you'll be drinkin' rum" .  A little research and I found out, rights for spouses, girlfriends etc. of sailors away at sea, were vigorously advocated (particularly in Liverpool, England).  Eventually a sailor's registered "significant other" could get an allotment of 50% of their pay, while away at sea.  These "pay" days became known as "white stocking days" as the women would dress up in their Sunday best (which included white stockings) to come to town and retrieve the pay...which many times, was spent in local taverns for rum (according to the song)