Now the ships leave drawn upon the tide
Lost in the rise and fall of the waves
As near to heaven by sea as by land oh
They sail to seek their fortune in the new age
Gold and silver from Peru to Spain
Strange tales of savage bands amidst the ice
Beyound the banks of Newfoundland
A great wind blows across from Africa
Below Capo de Buona Esperanca tempests rage
As near to heaven by sea as by land oh
They sail to seek their fortune in the new age
Farewell the land we're leaving
Dark skies, the waves rise
The sea's a-heaving
Rolling along with the breeze on the quarter
Along the horizon the mother and daughter of storms
And the raindrops like musketballs holing the water
The air is full of salt but the sun is sure to follow
Upon the flood many strangers
The Narrow Seas of England and sandshoals
Queen Elisabeth far up the Thames
Surrounded by music and rivers of pearls
We found good favour
And have returned home again to Rockfleet
That I defend
Til I die
As a haven
In the storm