Keeping the Boats Ahead by Ray Bradfield Recorded by Keepers Lock There's nothing better on a drowsy day Hot smelling tar as the butty sways Taking the strain as she pulls away Moving the boats ahead He's a good old horse, a fine old horse Sixteen hands and a mighty force Keeps on going his own sweet course Moving the boats ahead Chorus : It's a heavy plod and a steady tread Working like the devil, keep the boats ahead It's a heavy plod and a steady tread Working like the devil, keep the boats ahead When I were a nipper he'd let me ride Above the water on the towpath side Past 'Marigold' and 'London Pride' Moving the boats ahead I never knew how he got his name Albert's always been the same We've been friends for a long, long time Moving the boats ahead Final stretch, easy run One last pull and then we're done Take the slack, time's your own Moving the boats ahead Sun is going down ahead Golden water, sky of red Sweet smelling hay makes a feather bed Moving the boats ahead Recorded on :