Oh you slipped away from the harbour side
In the morning bright and clear
And your sails were filled with the rising wind
And you laughed for all to hear
But you never glanced at the ragged dance
Of your lovers on the quai
Don't call on them when the winds rise high
On the dark and the rolling sea.
You set your course for the furthest shores
And you never once looked back
And the flag you flew was the pirate cross
On a field of velvet black.
And those landsmen who you but lately knew
Were left stranded on the lea
Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise
On the dark and the rolling sea.
Oh I have no need of a chart or creed
You told your waiting crew
For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight
And you spoke as though you knew.
So you paid no mind to the warning signs
As you gave your words so free
Don't change your tack when the timbers crack
On the dark and and the rolling sea.
Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails
And the stars desert the skies
And the rigging strains as the hands of rain
Reach down to wash your eyes.
And your oarsman stands with his knife in hand
And his eyes spell mutiny
Don't call my name when your ship goes down
On the dark and the rolling sea.