Ship Ahoy! (All The Nice Girls Love A Sailor)

Album: not on an album (1909)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song's title was rendered thus (in block capitals) on the original sheet music. The title varies; sometimes it is given simply as "All The Nice Girls Love A Sailor". The lyrics are credited to A.J. Mills, and the music to Bennett Scott, a regular team, but according to Barry Norris, Fred Godfrey may have had a hand in writing it. Norris of New Brunswick, Canada, is the grandson of the man who wrote both "Bless 'Em All" and "Take Me Back To Dear Old Blighty." Godfrey claimed to have co-written the song, and as Norris points out, his grandfather had no need to pad his resumé.
  • "Ship Ahoy!" was published by The Star Music Publishing Company of London in 1909, with performer Hetty King on the front cover. Hetty King was the stage name of Winifred Emms (1883-1972), a well known male impersonator.
  • The melody of "Ship Ahoy!" lends itself to parody, and it was once used to advertise Warninks advocaat. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?