SKIPPERS AND MATES

LYRICS

Come all ye wise or simple men – skippers & mates & deckhands
To man the cargo ships again – skippers & mates & deckhands
We place no stock in rank nor name – skippers & mates & deckhands
To the rollin’ seas you’re all the same – skippers & mates & deckhands

All ye hale and hearty sailors – hoist the sails once more

There’s plenty of food for the men that work – skippers & mates & deckhands
And moldy bread for those that shirk – skippers & mates & deckhands
Now coins are scarce, I’m sure you know – skippers & mates & deckhands
So sign aboard and get below – skippers & mates & deckhands

Leave behind all your sons and daughters
Set the course for foreign waters – sail me hearties, sail
Wave good-bye to your wives and lovers
Cut the ropes and clear the scuppers – sail me hearties, sail

There’ll be no joking with your friends – skippers & mates & deckhands
There’s decks to wash and sails to mend – skippers & mates & deckhands
You’ll get no rest around the horn – skippers & mates & deckhands
You’ll wish, by gum, you’d never been born – skippers & mates & deckhands

Leave behind all your sons and daughters
Set the course for foreign waters – sail me hearties, sail
Wave good-bye to your wives and lovers
Cut the ropes and clear the scuppers – sail me hearties, sail

And when at last you’re back on shore – skippers & mates & deckhands
You’ll swear to god you’ll sail no more – skippers & mates & deckhands
You’ll pledge an oath to never leave home – skippers & mates & deckhands
Till you hear the call from the briny foam – skippers & mates & deckhands

All ye rugged salty sailors – hoist the sails once more
Hoist the sails once more – we’re bound to leave this shore
Hoist the sails once more