O' lord thou hast made this world a shadow of a dream
and taught by time, I treat it so, except for the ion stream
From coupler flange, to spindel guide, I see thy hand, O' god
Predestination in the stride of yon connecting rod
The captain rules upon the bridge, and I reign here below
He sends his orders down the line, and I'm pleased to have it so
For though his words, be iron law, as ancient rules decree
I know what truly moves this ship, are my engines, lord, and me
I know thy seas are very very wide, and the ship in truth is small
And those who dwell within her hide, I care for, one and all
Their safety rests upon my sk**, their lives are in my hand
I take it for a sacred trust, and they rarely understand
Behold these purring engine parts, that keep the ship alive
I know them down to their atoms parts, so I and mine may thrive
And fools they be, who fail to see why I hold my engines dear
For the engine room is a temple raised to the god of the engineer!