Mid 19th century sea shanty. The 'donkey' referred to is generally thought to be the name given to
a type of steam engine not the animal! Several versions (with various lyrics) out there - these are the
lyrics I tend to use.
Intro ( as per chorus) = F C F C G F C F C G C
Chorus
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G
Donkey riding donkey riding
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Verse 1
C F C
Was you ever in Quebec
G
Launchin' timber on the deck
C F C
Where ya break yer bleedin' neck
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Chorus
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G
Donkey riding donkey riding
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Verse 2
C F C
Was you ever 'round Cape Horn
G
Where the weather's never warm
C F C
Wished to God you'd never been born
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Chorus
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G
Donkey riding donkey riding
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Verse 3
C F C
Was you ever in Miramichi
G
Where ye tie up to a tree
C F C
An' the girls sit on yer knee
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Chorus
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G
Donkey riding donkey riding
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Verse 4
C F C
Was you ever in Fortune Bay
G
See the girls all shout hooray
C F C
Here comes dad with ten weeks pay
G C
Riding on a donkey
Chorus
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G
Donkey riding donkey riding
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G C
Ridin' on a donkey
Verse 5
C F C
Was you ever in Londontown
G
See the King he does come down
C F C
See the King in his golden crown
G C
Riding on a donkey
Chorus
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G
Donkey riding donkey riding
F C F C
Way hey and away we go
G C
Ridin' on a donkey