A Drop of Nelson's Blood

Song Information

Composer: Traditional

Lyric Author: Traditional

Published: Late 19th Century

Country of origin: American/English

General Interest

This song is a work chantey. The chorus is based on an American slave spiritual.

“Nelson’s Blood” is a slang term for grog, deriving from a tall-tale that after the Battle of Trafalgar Lord Nelson’s body was preserved for transportation home in a cask of rum, which the sailors couldn’t resist tapping, even knowing what it contained.

This song is perfect for adding verses indefinitely, anyone can jump in with what they think “wouldn’t do us any harm”.

Here's a link to the Lyric:

A Drop of Nelson's Blood Lyric

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