I've never seen a ship so fine
As that I sail today
The sheets the colors of the dawn
Lined up in grand parade
And as I leave my mother's arms, and all that I have known
The singing voices gently call me home

So rig me up my sails of air
And canvases of cloud
And let me sail upon the sea
In a winding sheet and shroud
And here at last, I'm bound away
I'll see you in a while
For I must chase the morning, across the emerald isle

And when we land upon the shore
Where the grass is shining green
The snow lies on the mountainsides
The waters run between
I'll see them there, from years gone by, and endless summer's day
And by the waters we will gently wait

So rig me up my sails of air
And canvases of cloud
And let me sail upon the sea
In a winding sheet and shroud
And here at last, I'm bound away
I'll see you in a while
For I must chase the morning, across the emerald isle

And when your night time softly falls
I'll sail to you once more
And leave my touch upon your cheek
And my footprints by the door
And when you wake and see the rainbow, shining in the sky
My voice will be upon the wind, and in the lion's cry

So rig me up my sails of air
And canvases of cloud
And let me sail upon the sea
In a winding sheet and shroud
And here at last, I'm bound away
I'll see you in a while
For I must chase the morning, across the emerald isle