Every man has a story, maybe this is mine,
bottled in a mystery
Thirteenth of a dozen,

a man left behind, workin' for the company
Never punchin' my ticket, punchin' the clock
No fisherman or captain could I be

Never called when my vessel pulled out from the dock
But don't feel sorry for me


I am building a boat,
building an ocean, waitin' for the rising tide
With my sailor's rope my right hand of hope

To pull me over the side, I am building a boat

Every game I tried, was rigged from inside

I fell for every scheme like a fool
I bit on every line for a nickel and dime
By every mother's thug I was schooled

In my backwater town where brimstone rained down
And the river backs up from the sea
I could only dream one day I would leave

But don't feel sorry for me

I am building a boat,

building an ocean, waitin' for the rising tide
With my sailor's rope my right hand of hope
To pull me over the side, I am building a boat


I learned a trick or two, I finally got a clue
Worth two to one from all I left behind

I never kissed the maid when I could kiss the mistress
No moonshine when I could drink the wine
Now I'm cook I am captain, a bo'sun and a mate

A navigator lookout and a crew
The wind and the waves will now be my fate
With my very own sailing boat tattoo


I am building a boa,
building an ocean, waitin' for the rising tide

With my sailor's rope my right hand of hope
To pull me over the side, I am building a boat