It’s been a long time since you’ve seen her Could have been three years or more Will she be waiting when we dock, boy Or like others, will she be gone? And it’s one more pull boys, that will do boys Soon we’ll draw alongside Hoist her upwards, swing her inboard For the journey’s nearly done Well you’re looking mighty fine, boy All dressed in your number ones You’ve scrounged a new blade from the purser To scrape that bum-fluff from off your chin And we’ll make fast those bow and stern lines As you scuttle down the gangway If she’s waiting there, just kiss her Turn around, give us a smile. For we too will go ashore soon Get drunk in the clubs and bars, Stagger homeward, pockets empty Like so many nights before. For a man may have a wife, boy And a man may take a mistress But a sailor has his ship, boy And his mistress it is the sea And it’s one more pull boys, that will do boys Soon we’ll draw alongside Hoist her upwards, swing her inboard For the journey now is done