Bound for the Rio Grande This song was one of the most popular sea shanties. It had several variations. Alternate titles include "Away for Rio" and "The Rio Grande". The Rio Grande referred to in the lyrics is not located between Texas and Mexico. The song instead refers to the Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. Some versions of the song refer to "golden sand." The banks of the Rio Grande in Brazil have high sand dunes and in the 18th century gold was found in southern Brazil. Although gold was also found in the Mexican Rio Grande area, it was not until later, when this song was already well established. This tune was a capstan or windlass shanty and was commonly sung on ships leaving the West Coast of England and Wales. Music by - Robert Shaw Lyrics I'll sing you a song of the fish of the sea, Way, Rio! I'll sing you a song of the fish of the sea, And we're bound for the Rio Grande! Then away, love, away, Way, Rio! So fare ye well, my pretty young gal, We are bound for the Rio Grande! It's goodbye to Sally and goodbye to Sue, Way, Rio! And you who are listening goodbye to you, For we're bound for the Rio Grande! So man the good capstan and run it around, Way, Rio! We'll heave up the anchor to this jolly sound, For we're bound for the Rio Grande! Then away, love, away, Way, Rio! So fare ye well, my pretty young gal, We are bound for the Rio Grande! Our ship went a-sailing out over the bar, Way, Rio! We pointed her nose for the southeren star, For we're bound for the Rio Grande! Then away, love, away, Way, Rio! So fare ye well, my pretty young gal, We are bound for the Rio Grande! The anchor is weighed and the sails they are set, Way, Rio! The maids that we're leaving we'll never forget, For we're bound for the Rio Grande! Then away, love, away, Way, Rio! So fare ye well, my pretty young gal, We are bound for the Rio Grande! MAIN MENU / NEXT SONG 
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