Caroline Lavelle

Oh my love he works upon the sea

On the waves that blow wild and free
He splices the ropes and he sets the sail
While southwards he roams to the home of the whale


And he ne'er thinks of me far behind
Or the torments that rage in my mind

He is mine for only part of the year
Then I'm left all alone with only my tears


All ye ladies that smell of white rose
Thank ye for your perfume to wear on my gold
Thank ye all the wives and the babies that yearn

For the man ne'er returns from hunting the sperm [whale]

Oh my love he works upon the sea

On the waves that blow wild and free
He splices the ropes and he sets the sail
While southwards he roams to the home of the whale