There's a dim light off the pier

And I've been watching it for years

'Thru the crashing waves there's a distant bell

It won't stop ringing in my head

All I do is stare and wait

For her to come and take me far away



When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'

After all these years I'll be happy

When my ship comes in

You'll finally love me

Then I can leave you when my ship comes in



There's a bitter old man on the shore

An albatross tied 'round his throat

And he tells me to forget that boat

He rambles on I just get bored

I hear the laughter of the crew

They know the ropes they'll see me through

To truth and brighter days

When my ship comes in I won't be lonely

I'll have lots of friends and they'll all want me

When my ship comes in you might be sorry

And I'll be something when my ship comes in

When my ship comes in

I'll be standing at the rail

Waving you goodbye

You'll never be standing on the beach

You'll be wondering why



When my ship comes in I might take you

You could swab the decks if you're nice today

When my ship comes in we'll be something

Won't that be something when my ship comes in



When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'

After all these years I'll be happy

When my ship comes in you'll finally love me

Then I can have you when my ship comes in

Ship comes in