Where is the man I used to be?
Who is my boy meant to follow?
My life was spent on the restless sea,
The sum of my letters so hollow.
The ocean is mistress to man and machine,
The water's more home than on land.
The sailor must follow the call of the brine
And to his wife he is never on hand.
My son, do not answer the call of the sea.
The horizon you never will reach.
Give your heart to your love,
Keep a home on the farm
And never set foot on the beach.
My nights are cold, the moon is high
And the waves lift the ship on the curl.
I know you miss me
But I'd miss the sea
When it's time for the sails to unfurl.
Where is the man I was meant to be?
The one father's father did rear.
I took a wife, without giving my life
I'll be ever sorry, my dear.