On a summer's day when the wave was rippled 
By the softest, gentlest breeze
Did a ship not sail with a cargo laden 
For a port beyond the sea

They were sleeping well, ........ signals
...who were less concerned
Though they  knew it not 'twas the fatal voyage
For the ship she never returned.

Did she never return? She never returned
Her fate is yet unlearned.
Though for years and years there were fond hearts watching
And the ship she never returned

Said the feeble lad to his anxious mother
"l must cross the wide blue sea
For they say, perchance, in a foreign climate
There is help and strength for me."

'Twas a gleam of hope in the midst of danger
And her heart for her youngest yearned
Yet she sent him forth with a smile and a blessing
On the ship that never returned

Did she never return? She never returned
Her fate is yet unlearned
Though for years and years there were fond hearts watching
And the ship she never returned

"Only one more trip," said a gallant seaman
As he kissed his weeping wife
"Only one more bag of the gold and treasure
And 'twill last us all through life

"Then I spend my days in my cozy cottage
And enjoy the rest I've earned."
But alas, poor man, for he sailed commander
Of the ship that never returned

Did she never return? She never returned
Her fate is yet unlearned
Though for years and years there were fond hearts watching
And the ship she never returned
Yet the ship she never returned