One of the first big packetship companies was the Black Ball Line. Cargoes were delivered with famous speed -- as a result of infamously stiff discipline on board all the ships.
Black Ball Line
I served my time on the Black Ball line
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
On the Black Ball line I wasted me prime
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
When a trim Black Ball liner's preparing for sea
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
You'll split your sides laughing such sights you would see
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
There's tinkers and tailors, shoemakers and all
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
They're all shipped for sailors aboard the Black Ball
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
When a big Black Ball liner's a-leaving her dock
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
The boys and the girls on the pier-head do flock
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
Now, when the big liner, she's clear of land
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
Our bosun he roars out the word of command
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
Come quickly, lay aft to the break of the poop
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
Or I'll help you along with the toe of me boot
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
Pay attention to orders, now, you one and all
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
For see high above there flies the Black Ball
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!
'Tis larboard and starboard, on deck you will sprawl
To me way-ay-ay O Ri-o
For kicking Jack Rogers commands the Black Ball
Hurrah for the Black Ball line!