Jean Louis Dominic Pierre Bouchon,
True to the breed that that bore him,
Answered the call that held in thrall

His father's heart before him.
Jean Louis Dominic sailed away
Further than love could find him

Yet through the night he heard a light
And gentle voice behind him say


Matelot, Matelot where you go my thoughts go with you
Matelot, Matelot when you go down to the sea


As you gaze from afar on the evening star
Wherever you may roam
You'll remember the lights through the winter nights

That guides you safely home
Though you find womankind to be frail
One love cannot, fail my son, till our days are done


Matelot, oh Matelot where you go my thoughts go with you
Matelot, Matelot when you go down to the sea


When there's grief in sky and the waves fly high
My heart to you will say

You may be sure that I'm true to my love for you
Though half the world away
Never mind if you find other charms

Here within my arms you'll sleep, Sailor from the deep

Matelot, oh Matelot where you go my heart will follow

Matelot oh Matelot when you go down to the sea

When you go down to the sea