Capo on 5 for correct key = F
Intro = C
Verse 1
C G
When the weather is fine you know it's the time
F G C
For messing about on the river
G
If you take my advice there's nothing so nice
F G C
As messing about on the river
F C G C
There's big boats and wee boats and all kinds of craft
F C D7 G
Puffers and keel boats and some with no raft
C G
With the wind in your face there's no finer place
F G C
Than messing about on the river
Verse 2
C G
There are boats made from kits that'll reach you in bits
F G C
For messing about on the river
G
And you might want to skull in a glass fibred hull
F G C
Go messing about on the river
F C G C
Anchors and tillers and rudders and cleats
F C D7 G
Ropes that are sometimes referred to as sheets
C G
With the wind in your face there's no finer place
F G C
Than messing about on the river
Verse 3
C G
Skippers and mates and rowing club eights
F G C
All messing about on the river
G
Capstans and quays where you tie up with ease
F G C
All messing about on the river
F C G C
Outboards and inboards and dinghies you sail
F C D7 G
The first thing you learn is the right way to bale
C G
In a one man canoe you're both skipper and crew
F G C
Messing about on the river
Verse 4
C G
Moorings and docks, tailors and locks
F C
All messing about on the river
G
Whirlpools and weirs that you must not go near
F G C
Messing about on the river
F C G C
Backwater places all hidden from view
F C D7 G
Mysterious wee islands just waiting for you
C G
So I'll leave you right now, go cast off your bow
F G C
Go messing about on the river
