With prohibition on

you can make a tidy sum

a sturdy craft a few good hands

the guts to run the rum

the thirsty pay handsomely

for a measly little tot

but you'll pay as much in prison

if you happen to get caught



my rum runner is going out to sea

I don't know if he'll come back to me

don't shed a tear of sorrow

for early tomorrow

I'll have a lovely bosun here

taking care of me



my captain always says

have a backup plan

I've taken matters so to speak

into my own hands

to find a good substitute

to take care of me

if my captain goes to prison

or perishes at sea



the master at arms

has great hands as well

the mute young cabin boy

would never kiss and tell

I've even had a lad or two

from the lower deck

they can't support me properly

it never hurts to check



I've made the rounds and all I've found

are rogues and rakes and drunks

men who don't own anything

but the contents of their trunks

not a one can stand up

to my Johnny gone to sea

I've just heard he's made it safe

he's coming back to me



maybe now he has enough

to take me down the aisle

I'll live with my captain

in luxury and style

but if he's not ready

to settle down with me

I'll start my search again

when he goes out to sea