richard thompson
row, boys row
Feel that sting across your back and Row, Boys, Row Don’t wait for the whip to crack and Row, Boys, Row Is it wise to be moaning when the Captain comes? Tip your hat and get grinning though you’re worn to the gums Is it wise to be needy in the land of the free? Is it wise to be bleeding in a shark-filled sea? Seven years of bad luck Should have read the small print Save my soul, save my soul I’m chained below, chained below Carving sailors’ little keepsakes Out of teeth and nails and driftwood Got to keep the old ship moving Ploughing through the Sea of Cortez Living skeletons for neighbours Hear the Bo sun beat the drum and Row, Boys, Row Slavery till Kingdom Come and Row, Boys, Row Is it wise to be asking for a morsel more When you see what they done to them what asked before? Is it wise to be kneeling with your arse poking free? Is it wise to be bleeding in a shark-filled sea?