We were homeward bound one night on the deep

Swinging in my hammock I fell asleep

I dreamed a dream and I thought it true

Concerning Franklin and his gallant crew 



With 100 seamen he sailed away

To the frozen ocean in the month of May

To seek a passage around the pole

Where all poor sailors do sometimes go. 



Through cruel hardships they vainly strove

Their ships on mountains of ice was drove

Only the Eskimo with his skin canoe

Was the only one that ever came through 



In Baffin's Bay where the whale fish blow

The fate of Franklin no man may know

The fate of Franklin no tongue can tell

And Lord Franklin among his seamen do dwell 



And now my burden it gives me pain

For my Lord Franklin I'd sail the main

Ten thousand pounds I would freely give

To know Lord Franklin, and where he is.