First Blood on the Tide

[Verse 1]
Salt in my teeth
powder on my tongue
Smoke from the guns
still clawing at my lungs
You took my flag once
left her torn and scarred
I carved your colors
into my arm like a mark
[Chorus]
Ho, heave, haul
first blood on the tide tonight
Raise that rag
on the mast so high (hey!)
Hear them beg
in the iron light
This is the taste
this is the taste of revenge so right
Ho, heave, haul
first blood on the tide tonight
[Verse 2]
Oars bit the waves
like wolves in the black
Silent as sharks
we crept on your back
Lanterns all covered
hearts all aflame
Every man whispering
your cursed name
[Chorus]
Ho, heave, haul
first blood on the tide tonight
Raise that rag
on the mast so high (aye!)
Hear them beg
in the iron light
This is the taste
this is the taste of revenge so right
Ho, heave, haul
first blood on the tide tonight
[Bridge]
Chain on the rudder
keys on my belt
Your captain kissing
the deck he once held
Barrels of powder
gold in the hold
But sweeter than silver
was watching you fold (oh!)
[Chorus]
Ho, heave, haul
first blood on the tide tonight
Raise that rag
on the mast so high (hey!)
Drink it down
to the roaring sky
This is the song
this is the song of your end in mine
Ho, heave, haul
first blood on the tide tonight

Rowdy sea shanty with stomping floor toms, bright fiddle, and gang male vocals on the hook; verses led by a gritty solo voice, accordion and low whistles swelling underneath. The energy rises from tense, quiet swagger in the first verse to a roaring, pint-swinging chorus with call-and-response shouts and thick harmonies; final chorus hits hardest with big unison chant and handclaps., shanty