Oh you slipped away from the harbour side
In the morning bright and clear
And your sails were filled with the rising wind

And you laughed for all to hear
But you never glanced at the ragged dance
Of yoour lovers on the quai

Don't call on them when the winds rise high
On the dark and rolling sea
Oh you set your course for the furthest shores

And you never once looked back
And the flag you flew was a pirate cross
On a field of velvet black

And those landsmen who you but lately knew
Were left stranded on the lea
Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise

On the dark and rolling sea
Oh I have no need of a chart or creed
You told your waiting crew

For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight
And you spoke as though you knew
So you paid no mind to the warning signs

As you gave your words so free
Don't change your tack when the timbers crack
On the dark and rolling sea

Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails
And the stars desert the skies
and the rigging strains as the hands of rain

Reach down to wash your eyes
And your oarsmen stands with his knife in hand
And his eyes spell mutiny

Don't call my name when your ship goes down
On the dark and rolling sea