A Salty Dog

All hands on deck
we've run afloat
I heard the captain cry
explore the ship
replace the cook
let no one leave alive

Across the straits
around the Horn
how far can sailors fly
the twisted path
our tortured course
and no one left alive

We sailed for parts
unknown to man
where ships come home to die
no lofty peak
no fortress bold
could match our captain's eye

Upon the seventh
seasick day
we made our port of call
A sand so white
and sea so blue
no mortal place at all

We fired the gun
and burned the mast
and rowed from ship to shore
the captain cried
we sailors wept
our tears were tears of joy

Now many moons
and many Junes
have passed since we made land
a salty dog
this seaman's log
your witness; my own hand.