Al Stewart - The dark and the rolling sea

Oh you slipped away from the harbour side


In the morning bright and clear


And your sails were filled with the rising wind


And you laughed for all to hear


But you never glanced at the ragged dance


Of your lovers on the quay


Don't call on them when the winds rise high


On the dark and the rolling sea





Oh you set your course for the furthest shores


And you never once looked back


And the flag you flew was a pirate cross


On a field of velvet black


And those landsmen who you but lately knew


Were left stranded on the lea


Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise


On the dark and the rolling sea





Oh I have no need of a chart or creed


You told your waiting crew


For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight


And you spoke as though you knew


So you paid no mind to the warning signs


As you gave your words so free


Don't change your tack when the timbers crack


On the dark and the rolling sea





Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails


And the stars desert the skies


And the rigging strains as the hands of rain


Reach down to wash your eyes


And your oarsmen stands with his knife in hand


And his eyes spell mutiny


Don't call my name when your ship goes down


On the dark and the rolling sea