A song about a famous symbol of Newfoundland - the Newfoundland dog. This song features the use of an "Ugly Stick", a traditional Newfoundland percussion instrument.

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Click here to watch the updated "Sea Shanty" version.

Click here to see the lyrics.

Click here for a lyrics and chords version in C.

Click here for a Chordpro version in C.

Click here for a lyrics and chords version in D.

Click here to see a sample or to purchase the lead sheet in C through Sheet Music Plus.

Click here to see a sample or to purchase the lead sheet in D through Sheet Music Plus.

Click here to see a sample or to purchase  the accompaniment version in C through Sheet Music Plus.

Click here to see a sample  or to purchase the accompaniment version in D through Sheet Music Plus.

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Words and Music by David Kai © 1990

No you can’t tell a Newfie a thing he should do, To sit or to stay or to come back to you

He’s hairy and slobbery, as strong as a horse, It’s the Newfoundland dog that I sing of, of course.

  He’s the kind of a dog that will never be scared, For to serve and protect he was bred and prepared

  And there’s many a swimmer whose life has been spared, By the Newfoundland dog, who’s like a lifeguard with hair.

But you can’t tell a Newfie a thing he should do, To sit or to stay or to come back to you

He’s hairy and slobbery, as strong as a horse, It’s the Newfoundland dog that I sing of, of course.

  You can hook up a Newfie to a cart or a sleigh, It will bear all your burdens, not tiring all day

  It can carry a line from a boat to the land, To rescue the perishing, saving all hands

But you can’t tell a Newfie a thing it should do, To sit or to stay or to come back to you

It’s hairy and slobbery, as strong as a horse, It’s the Newfoundland dog that I sing of, of course.

  She is strong but so gentle, a real teddy bear, But there won’t be a place where you won’t find her hair

  She will care for the children, watch them just like a Mum, And keep them in safety ‘til labours are done

But you can’t tell a Newfie a thing she should do, To sit or to stay or to come back to you

She’s hairy and slobbery, as strong as a horse, It’s the Newfoundland dog that I sing of, of course

It’s the Newfoundland dog that I sing of, of course.