The Old Grey

The captain was a man with a heart like a stone

Heave away, the wind is blowing

He’d work a man right down to the bone

Along the coast of Jersey

We signed our names for a silver piece

But the work on this deck, it never will cease.

The salt in the meat was a month too old

Heave away, the wind is blowing

And the beer in the barrel was green with mold

Along the coast of Jersey

The sails are torn and the mast is bent

And we’re wondering where our young lives went.

We sighted a ship on the Tuesday night

Heave away, the wind is blowing

But the captain he wouldn't stand up for the fight

Along the coast of Jersey

He turned the wheel and he ran for the bay

And he docked us all without any pay.

The cook in the galley has a hook for a hand

Heave away, the wind is blowing

He hasn’t seen water since he left the land

Along the coast of Jersey

He dropped the soup in the captain’s boot

And we laughed so loud we didn't give a hoot.

The fog came in like a thick wet wool

Heave away, the wind is blowing

The nets are heavy and the nets are full

Along the coast of Jersey

The winch got stuck and the cable snapped

And the whole damn crew in the ropes got trapped.

We reached the pier at the break of day

Heave away, the wind is blowing

We grabbed our bags and we walked away

Along the coast of Jersey

The mate called out for a final pull

But we left him there with a belly full.

So if you’re a sailor and you’re looking for work

Heave away, the wind is blowing

Don’t sign for a man who acts like a clerk

Along the coast of Jersey

He’ll take your boots and he’ll take your pride

And leave you out on the outgoing tide.

I’m heading south where the weather is kind

Heave away, the wind is blowing

I’m leaving the Grey Gull far behind

Along the coast of Jersey

There’s a girl in town and a bed that’s dry

And I’m done with the waves and the winter sky.

One more pull and the job is done.

One more pull and the job is done.