Sleek, swift, streamlined ship, Shield-clad and shining, Tell to me the tale of your trip When the limpest of men were your lining O I know you were a ship of fools O I know you were a ship of fools You tried to take them to new trade But they were afraid to follow. Land-lubbers of the lowest grade Their hearts and their heads were both hollow O I know you were a ship of fools O I know you were a ship of fools
But your form is far-out, framed by foam: A cloven-crocodile. Whale's-highway is your home Swan's-riding is your style. Fine-finned, shaped like a shark The wind awaits your awaking. Designed for delving into the dark Of mysteries in the making O I know you were a ship of fools O I know you were a ship of fools A ship of fools Ship of fools You were a ship of fools.