MOLLYMAUK

picture of Norris Dale

Norris Dale
Portland, Maine

Oh, the Southern Ocean is a lonely place,
Where the storms are many and the shelter's scarce.

Refrain:
Down upon the Southern Ocean sailing,
Down below Cape Horn

On the restless water and the sullen sky
You can see old Mollymauk wheel and fly.

(Refrain)

Chorus:
Won't you ride the wind and go, bright seabird.
Won't you ride the wind and go, Mollymauk.
Down upon the Southern Ocean sailing,
Down below Cape Horn.

See the Mollymauk floating on his wide, white wings,
And, Lord, what a lonesome song he sings.

(Refrain)

And he's got no compass and he's got no gear,
And none can tell you how the Mollymauk steers.

(Refrain, Chorus)

He's the ghost of a sailorman, as I've heard say.
His body sank, and his soul flew away.

(Refrain)

And he's got no haven and he's got no home,
He's bound evermore for to wheel and roam.

(Refrain, Chorus)

When I gets too weary for to sail no more,
Let my bones sink better far away from shore.

(Refrain)

You can cast me loose, set me drifting free,
And I'll keep that big bird company.

(Refrain, Chorus)

(Bob Watson ©, used with permission)

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