Oh the wind, and the rain, and the salt, and the spray
It all captured my soul for a year and a day
But upon coming home I found naught as should be
So I'll give my heart up to the arms of the sea
I was small when I started - both weakly and frail
But a toss on the tide made me hearty and hale
I quickly grew taller, and stronger, and tan
With the fine, strapping cut of a good sailorman
'Twas a year and a day til we finally touched ground
I stood at the dock, and I turned twice around
Set my foot stepping down memory lane
Ah but memories returned can quite oft times bring pain
I knocked on the door and inquired within
I was met by the mistress who was handsome and thin
Looked at her softly and with a slight smile
Requested for lodging to stay for a while
She said "Handsome sailor you're welcome to stay
My husband is gone, and returns this next day"
And I knew by the way she was gazing at me
She did not recognize who I truly could be
For the wind, and the rain, and the salt, and the spray
It all captured my soul for a year and a day
But upon coming home I found naught as should be
So I'll give my heart up to the arms of the sea
I thought on her words as they pierced through my heart
I felt my soul shatter and splinter apart
I knew that the love songs and poets had lied
I would've done best trusting storm, wave, and tide
That night in my room as I blew the flame out
The rustle of lace made me turn quick about
There in the doorway she stood silently
And her eyes promised secrets between her and me
She fell to my arms, but I drew her upright
Saying "What of your husband who's not here tonight?"
My dear fairest lady I'll not grant your will
But my honor I'll keep your chastity still."
For the wind, and the rain, and the salt, and the spray
It all captured my soul for a year and a day
But upon coming home I found naught as should be
So I'll give my heart up to the arms of the sea
Next morning arrived and her husband returned
Upon seeing my face his cheeks flushed and grew burned
"For a year and a day I assumed you had died
A self-imposed victim of folly and pride."
"No folly of mine to prove what could be done
Though my heart has been lost, and my bet has been won
Though I now understand the words 'caution to me'
That a true-hearted lass should not sail on the sea"
"Two things I will tell you before I must go
Betrayal fancies company, so you should know
To the one heart that loved you, you've given great slight
And the one that you married betrayed you last night"
Oh the wind, and the rain, and the salt, and the spray
It all captured my soul for a year and a day
But upon coming home I found naught as should be
So I'll give my heart up to the arms of the sea
Yes I'll give my heart up to the arms of the sea
Yes I give my heart up to the arms of the sea