Once there was a barge lad, way up atop the mast
Shouting to the skipper, "We've made it home at last"
Well, I was that barge lad, way up atop the mast
But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper had better be holding fast
Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high
You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky
Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will
So eyes front and away we sail
Oh, you've got to be able, way up atop the mast
Your legs better be nimble, and your head better think fast
Well, I was that able, way up atop the mast
But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper is hardy enough to last
Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high
You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky
Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will
So eyes front, keep your head, and away we'll sail
Oh, you've eyes like an eagle, way up atop the mast
Spotting all the obstacles that come across your path
Well, I was that eagle, way up atop the mast
But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper will keep us from taking a bath
Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high
You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky
Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will
So eyes front, keep your head, clear your throat, and away we sail
Oh, you've got to remember, way up atop the mast
Knowing all the river is that you never learn from the charts
Well, I do remember, way up atop the mast
But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper is taking the rivers to heart
Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high
You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky
Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will
So eyes front, keep your head, clear your throat
Know your way, fill your pipe
Grab on tight, look for the lights, and away we sail