I've sailed on this sea longer than I recall
And enjoyed more than most men can say
I've danced with the dutchess and dined with the king
And've been welcome in most any bay
And every last sunset I've taken as mine
Whether red sky or blue I've sailed free
And day after long day I've given my best
And the best you've all given to me
But my hands now grown tired of harness
At sea. To lay down my mantle with pride.
To take up my wife and the softness she
Keeps. To lay down my head by her side.
Ive had tears of pain, and I've had tears of joy
Ive seen tears from a young child's eyes
But it's nothing to the tears of goodbye
I've sang out my plea and brought the crew to my home
I've drained countless bottles of meade
And I've banged many mugs and sailed on the foam
From Australia to Old Maui
With Pillows and Madams and Beggars alike
To Lasses and Revelers, I sang
From lands in the north with the chill of the lake
And warmth in the southern most ways
But my crew grows restless to sail
Many miles. A journey I no longer crave
I bid ye farewell until we meet
Again. May the sorrow of parting be saved!
Ive had tears of pain, boy and tears of joy
I've seen tears from a young child's eyes
But nothing compares to the pain that I feel
From the tears of a last goodbye