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 quay 

Don't call on them when the winds rise high 

On the dark and the rolling sea 



Oh you set your course for the furthest shores 

And you never once looked back 

And the flag you flew was a 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 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 oarsmen 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