Ketelbinkie

Louis Davids' song "Ketelbinkie" tells the poignant story of a young boy from Rotterdam who embarks on his first sea voyage. The term 'ketelbinkie' refers to a ship's boy, a young and inexperienced sailor. The narrative begins with the boy's departure from Rotterdam aboard an old ship, the Edam, which is infested with cockroaches and rats. The boy, shy and naive, bids a hesitant farewell to his mother, unable to muster the courage to kiss her goodbye. This sets the tone for the boy's innocence and vulnerability as he steps into the harsh world of seafaring.

As the journey progresses, the boy faces the brutal realities of life at sea. He becomes seasick on the very first day, much to the annoyance of the stoker, who berates him. The crew attempts to cure his seasickness with a mix of gin and lemons, highlighting the rough and ready remedies of the time. Despite his efforts to carry out his duties, the boy is a picture of despair, struggling under the weight of his responsibilities. His longing for his mother is evident, as he calls out for her in his sleep, only to be scolded by the man on watch.

The story takes a tragic turn when the boy falls seriously ill in the Pacific Ocean. Despite the crew's attempts to treat him with quinine and castor oil, he succumbs to his illness. In his final moments, he asks for an advance on his wages to send to his mother, showing his enduring love and concern for her. The boy's death is marked by a somber ceremony, with the captain offering a prayer before the boy's body is cast overboard. The song ends with a telegram being sent to his mother, informing her of his death. Through this heart-wrenching tale, Davids captures the harsh realities of life at sea and the innocence lost in the face of such adversity.