Story Behind The Song
It was written for a show about the BC goldrush.I wanted a bouncy number somewhat in keeping with the 1870's time period but rollicking on it's own
Song Description
A "this is how I came to be here " song from the point of view of a sea captain who leaves the sea to travel to the goldfields and open a tavern
| Song Length |
2:20 |
Genre |
Folk - Traditional |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
In High Spirits |
Subject |
General |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1800 - 1899 |
Lyrics
CAPTAIN WHEELERS REEL
I COME FROM SAN FRANSISCO I SAILED TO EVERY SHORE
TIL I CAPTAINED TO VICTORIA ON THE GOOD SHIP COMMODORE
I HAD A MERRY CARGO 400 MINERS STRONG
AND SO FOR SPORT WHEN NEARING PORT I MADE A JAUNTY SONG
chorus
AND THE MEN SAID ?GOOD ON YA? THE LADIES SAID ?HURRAY?
YOU PERKED ME UP I?LL FILL YOUR CUP FOR BRIGHTENING UP THE DAY
WAY UP NORTH IN THE GOLD FIELDS WHERE MUSIC HAS APPEAL
IF YOU COME MY WAY I?LL GLADLY PAY FOR CAPTAIN WHEELERS REEL
I CAPTAINED ON THE FRASER AND UPWARDS TO QUESNEL
AND EVERY DAY I FELT THE SWAY OF A MIGHTY GOLDEN SPELL
I WENT TO SEEK MY FORTUNE LEFT WATER FOR THE LAND
I MADE MY WAY WITH SONG IN HEART AND MANDOLIN IN HAND
chorus
WHEEL IT UP 4X
WHEEL IT UP AND DON?T BE SLOWIN
WHEEL IT UP AND PULL YOUR BEST
WHEEL IT UP THE FRASER BOYS TO WHERE THE GOLD IS SHINING
WHEEL IT UP THE WIND IS BLOWIN STEADY FROM THE SOU SOU WEST
IT?S A SORRY DAY TO SAIL BUT SOVERIGN DAY FOR MINING
NOW I?M STILL A CAPTAIN I?VE GOT MY FAVORITE CREW
AND OH I?VE GOT MY COMPASS ROSE I LOVE HER THROUGH AND THROUGH
I?M CATERING TO MINERS AND SELDOM GO YA WRONG
IF YOU MAKE YOUR BILL THE PROPER FILL OF FOOD AND DRINK AND SONG
Chorus
Words and music Ross Douglas SOCAN