Oh, the anchor is weighed, and the sails they are set. 

Chorus: ‘Way, you Rio! 

The girls that we're leaving we'll never forget, 

Chorus: For we're bound to the Rio Grande, 

And away, you Rio! ‘Way, you Rio! 

The girls that we're leaving we'll never forget, 

Chorus: For we're bound to the Rio Grande! 



So goodbye to the ladies we know in this town: 

We've left you enough to buy a silk gown. 



We've a ship that is stout and a jolly good crew: 

A brass-knuckled mate and a rough skipper, too. 



We'll sell all our salt cod, molasses and rum 

And get home again ‘fore Thanksgiving has come. 



Sing goodbye to Elsie and goodbye to Sue; 

And you who are listening, goodbye to you. 



Our good ship's a-goin' out over the bar: 

We'll point her nose for the southern star.