The women gather up their skirts and empty bags of linen.
They hasten to the quay, all can see a ship is coming.
The sea dogs stand together, tears are rolling down their cheeks,
No one swears or curses, they've longed for this for weeks!

One turn away from the taverns, one turn away from the women,
One turn away from from children, waiting for the ship to come in!
The men are kneeling on the foredeck, the townsfolk all excited!
The ship comes safely into port, God knows what inside it.

A woman pushes to the fore, into her husbands arms.
He lifts her up, she's looking stout, increased in girth and charms.
He puts her down upon the ground and looks at her a bit askant,
Her skirt is shorter at the front, she must be six months pregnant!

Yes they're back in the taverns, they're back with the women.
They're back with the children, thanking God the ship came in!
The sailors are kneeling on the quay, the women are all elated,
Their men have been so long at sea, their needs are unabated.

What right have they to moan after all the wild oats they have sown
We need some comfort in the dark, we're not made of stone
The nights are long and cold, why should we be alone!
We'd never be unfaithful when our wandering ones come home.