Key: A
Introduction:
Am C G Em
I have been since seventeen a shipwreck balladeer
Am C G Em
Tragedy and misery are what makes my career
Am C G Em
Watery graves are my stock and trade, but it's getting harder
Am C G Em Am
For all the boats that now do float are returning safely to the harbour
There hasn't been a shipwreck scene since 1965
F C G Em
They're building ships too good today, and I'm the one who suffers
F C G Em
They don't get rent from aft to stern and their hulls never rupture
F C G Em
Not dashed on rocks and never tossed to heaven on a wave
Am C G Em Am
You may think it well and good but my livelihood sails away
There once were found, twenty in town, who wrote about shipwrecks
F C G Em F C F G Em
Oh the only tragedy left to sing about is me
That government bastard's been sent to take my job from me
Am Em G D Am
It's here to stay. It's here to staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay