There were three songs in the Captain's repertoire.

The first was a chanty with a chorus of John, storm along, storm along, John, Ain't I glad my day's work's done.
The second was the "Bowline Song." Haul on the bowline, the 'Phrony is a-rollin', Haul on the bowline! the bowline HAUL! At the "haul!" the Captain's foot would come down with a thump.

Almost the first word little Hiram Joash learned was "haul!" He used to shout it and kick his father vigorously in the vest.
These were fair-weather songs.

Captain Hiram sang them when everything was going smoothly.

The "Bowline Song" indicated that he was feeling particularly jubilant.