Get your tongs, better get your gun
We’re going on the water, to make our living son.
If there’s fighting, that’s the way it’ll have to be
Sometimes they can hear us, up in Washington, DC
Come on son we’re gonna tong all day
Over the beds of Currioman Bay
Charles the First, decided long ago
To give the river, to the boys on the other shore.
So late at night, we sneak over to their side
Harvesting oysters, it’s a matter of livin’ or dyin’
Come on son we’re gonna tong all day
Over the beds of Nomini Bay
Tong ‘em on up, put ‘em in a basket
Shuck ‘em on down
Brother Bunny, shanghai’d in Baltimore,
Worked the dredgers, for two months maybe more.
When he was finished, thought he’d be home soon
Anticipating money, but he was paid by the boom.
Come on son we’re gonna tong all day
Over the beds of Currioman Bay
Damn the dredgers, they tear up everything
Ripping up oysters, with heavy metal teeth.
Combing the bottom, cleaning it to the bone
Chompin’ up the river, so a spat can’t find a home
Come on son we’re gonna tong all day
Over the beds of Nomini Bay
Tong ‘em on up, put ‘em in a basket
Shuck ‘em on down