The chances of survival on a night like this are few
December 1940 on the coast of Donegal
Came a great north wind
That could have been the cruellest of them all
14 men were missing 18 more in great destress
Jack Boyle knew that their future in his hands had come to rest
He knew a man who knew the sea if any man would know
We?ll show the way without delay O?Donnell said I?ll go
Chorus
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m a lifeboat man I am my father?s son
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m an island man I am my father?s son
verse 2
The neighbours watch them gather and they cast a worried eye
And wondered how that lifeboat crew could possible survive
They all agree that some at least the greatest price would pay
And old the men shed a tear and knelt down on the ground to pray
While standin on the pier with his handpicked squad of men
Jack told each of one that they might never see their homes again
And he told that there would be no shame if this time they said no
Each traced a cross upon his brow, stepped up and said I?ll go
Chorus
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m a lifeboat man I am my father?s son
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m an island man I am my father?s son
verse 3
Against the storm against the gale against the mighty waves
Those men were rightly honoured as the bravest of the brave
And let everyone salute them and thank god for men like these
Who would risk their lives for strangers in peril on the seas
O?Donnell, Ward and Gallagher remember these names well
With the Boyles, Byrne?s and Rodgers they faced the seas from hell
With the waves above them crashing down and a heaving mass below
God bless them everyone who made the vow to say I?ll go
Chorus
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m a lifeboat man I am my father?s son
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m an island man I am my father?s son
verse 4
Now this volunteer lifeboat crew Illion Arranmore
They faced the biggest storm that they had ever seen before
But they brought them 18 sailors home and left them on the land
Now their safe & well and home again by the grace of god?s own hand
Now the spirits soar above the waves they earned eternal rest
Surely if there?s justice they are seated with the best
I?d like to think in that last hour god whispered soft and low
And welcomed home the eight brave men who made the vow to go
Chorus
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m an island man I am my father?s son
I?ll go and do the best I can I?ll do what must be done
I?ll go cause I?m from Arranmore I am my father?s son