When Johnnie Comes Down To Hilo

Song Information

Composer: Traditional

Lyric Author: Traditional

Published: 19th Century

Country of origin: United States

General Interest

There's very little information to be found about this song. It's definitely a working song - and some sources say it's a capstan song, rather than the more common hauling song. The key difference being hauling songs tend to have clear rhythms that tell the sailor when to pull on the rope. Capstans are usually four-spoked rotating devices that may work a pump for example, and require continual pushing.

There is a reasonable case to be made for the song originating in the southern USA, as many of the older recorded lyrics would be considered racially offensive nowadays. We've chosen words that reflect the song's heritage, but have eliminated or revised the offensive sections.

The Port Isaac Fisherman's Friends did a great version you can see here: Fishermen's Friends sing When Johnny Comes Down To Hilo

Here's a link to the Lyric:

When Johnny Comes Down To Hilo Lyric

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