(Verse 1)
I signed on board the Merry Jane,
For a berth and a lick of pay.
The captain grinned through the driving rain,
"We sail at the break of day."
The hold was tight and the deck was slick,
But the whiskey flowed so fast,
Little did I know, the trick
Was hidden behind the mast.
(Chorus)
Oh, haul away, the moon is high,
And the dresses drift in the breeze!
I’m a trapped man born to wonder why
They’re dancing on the seas.
No time to talk, no time to stall,
I’ve got to jump or lose it all!
(Verse 2)
The sun went down, the lantern dimmed,
And the lads went down below.
With petticoats and lace they trimmed,
And rouges all aglow!
The boatswain spun in a silk gown blue,
The gunner wore a wig of white,
I hid my face as the rowdy crew
Painted their lips for the night.
(Verse 3)
I crept past the galley, soft as a thief,
While they practiced their waltzes and airs.
The cook was adjusting a velvet-lined reef,
And the mate was adjusting his flares.
I grabbed for the oars and I felt for the latch,
My heart drummed a rhythm of fear,
With one lucky leap from the main-hatch,
I’ll vanish and leave them all here!
(Chorus)
Oh, haul away, the moon is high,
And the dresses drift in the breeze!
I’m a trapped man born to wonder why
They’re dancing on the seas.
No time to talk, no time to stall,
I’ve got to jump or lose it all!
(Bridge)
They’re calling my name, they’ve got a dress,
With a corset lined in twine.
It’s a masquerade of a wild distress,
And I’m the next in line!
I’ll find the skiff, I’ll cut the rope,
I’ll slip into the dark,
For a man who keeps a shred of hope,
Must flee this cursed bark.
(Outro)
So keep your silk and keep your lace,
I’m diving for the shore!
I’d rather run at a desperate pace,
Than dance with the crew once more!
