Scuttlebutt

Young fellow in the navy, when the talk begins to flow,
And you’ll find it does, my hearty, wheresoever you may go,
You will hear it in your quarters and you’ll hear it fore and aft;
They will tell you who is coming and who’s due to leave the craft.
Just remember mouths of sailors very seldom long are shut
And unfounded conversation is what’s know as “Scuttlebutt!”

When some “hasher” starts relating what he’s heard a “Striper” say,
Take it in, if you’ve a mind to, but don’t carry it away!
When the women get to talking, and it’s certain that they will,
Just remember sailors’ ladies are not famed for sitting still.
When you hit the sack, forget it! Better far your throat were cut
Than to use it to be spreading what is known as “Scuttlebutt!”

There’s a constant flow of chatter both ashore and far at sea
Touching when and where you’re bound for and what will or will not be,
But remember, boy, no matter what it is you may have hear;
In the navy nothing’s certain till the skipper gives “the word.”
Only brass hats know what’s doing. On the bridge alone they strut,
But from them you get your orders. All the rest is “Scuttlebutt!”

“Edgar Guest.”

(Photo: my daddy, Glen Maynard, WWII Naval Vet)