Feel that sting across your back and Row, Boys, Row 
Don't wait for the whip to crack and Row, Boys, Row 
Is it wise to be moaning when the Captain comes? 
Tip your hat and get grinning though you're worn to the 
gums 
Is it wise to be needy in the land of the free? 
Is it wise to be bleeding in a shark-filled sea? 

Seven years of bad luck 
Should have read the small print 

Save my soul, save my soul 
I'm chained below, chained below 
Out of teeth and nails and driftwood 
Got to keep the old ship moving 
Ploughing through the Sea of Cortez 
Living skeletons for neighbours 

Hear the Bo sun beat the drum and Row, Boys, Row 
Slavery till Kingdom Come and Row, Boys, Row 
Is it wise to be asking for a morsel more 
When you see what they done to them what asked before? 
Is it wise to be kneeling with your arse poking free? 
Is it wise to be bleeding in a shark-filled sea?