The Pirate Shanty

I am not a pirate, but I long to be

Sailing by the stars across the seven seas

Living with no earthly cares, my mates and me—

The envy of all worldly men, who are not free

A song to sing for beggars, a song to sing for saints

A song to sing for wealthy men all wrapped and bound in chains!

Our treasure's not in gold, or in our piety

Our wealth is in an answered call, the longing of the sea!

Stormy oceans carry us to lands we've never known

To mysteries and buried secrets from the tales of old

So hoist the sail and raise the flag, we do not stop for night

We'll ride the wild winds and waves until the morning's light!

In smuggler's caves and tavern halls, we live by no man's rules

We fly the colors of the living, free and proud and true!

We set out on the ocean blue to escape tyranny

We'll keep our merry hearts alive so long we roam the sea

A man once walked along the shore, and called he out to me

I see you are a fisherman, a lover of the sea

I know this world's a wretched place, but if you'll follow me

I'll take all of your burdens and pirates we shall be!

Yo ho, yo ho!

Hope is now before us, and misery at aft

We could not care the lesser for the men who say: You're daft!

So let the howling winds blow in and take hold of the mast

Release the wheel and all your sins, for you are free at last!

Swab the deck, my clever lad, and listen close to me

Learn my ways, and soon one day a captain you shall be

Climb the rigging, mount the nest, and say, what can you see?

A fleet upon the starboard side in battle we shall meet!

Load the cannons, raise the flag, and take hold of your heart!

A proper man of courage does not flee before the start

Do not fear when death is near, when doom is night at hand

Your end marks the beginning of a life in fairer lands!

All day the battle rages, and on into the night

With clashing swords and pistol shots, upon the decks we fight!

We match our wits and cannonballs with the finest of their fleet

Their admiral walks the plank in the shame of his defeat

So raise a drink to plunder, and lift a toast for spoils

Cheer good men - in bravery, the enemy we've foiled!

Pour another round and we will sing a song of joy

When next we make our port the folk will say: Victors, ahoy!

We moor upon an isle of wealthy fools and knaves

Who drink all night and sleep all day on the labor of their slaves

When the Sun has set, we break off all their chains

And share with them our plunder, and now free men they are made!

We hole up in the tavern with our new crewmen and mates

Soon those rich folks come a calling for their run aways!

The barman sends them off with ale, saying: Go, drink your sway!

But when the rest have gone, one aging wealthy man does stay

I was once a young lad, sailing by the charts

I did not savor wind, nor water, nor admire the stars

Now I have grown old and frail, and do not journey far

I only long to sail the seas once more to find my heart

Well, come aboard and voyage long, we make for unmapped shores

Ride the stormy seas with us, you'll find that soul of yourn

Leave your wealth behind you, and your bitter scorn

Make your home with slaves and sinners, then you'll be reborn

Yo ho, yo ho!