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 your lovers on the quay 
Don't call on them when the winds rise high 
On the dark and the 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 the 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 the 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 the rolling sea