The sea is sad and gray, my friends,
It greets me with a tear;
Its mournful company it lends,
For nearly half a year.

Aboard this ship I stay, my friends,
Save for the days at dock;
How many hours on land depends:
I have to watch the clock.

The waves do sadly roll, my friends,
Each laps a lonely tongue;
The misty air – its raining wrends
A thousand songs, unsung.

Away from sea, below, my friends,
I learn about the ship,
And trace the power the engine sends;
I know which switch to flip.