Verse 1
[C] [G]
’Twas on the briny ocean, on a whale ship I did go.
[G] [C]
Oft' times thought of distant friends, oft' times I thought of home.
[C] [G]
Rememb'ring of my youthful days, it grieves my heart full sore
[G] [C]
And feign I would return again to my home native shore.
Verse 2
[C] [G]
Though dreary, discontented, I then resolved to go
[G] [C]
My fortunes on the seas to find, to ease me of my woe.
[C] [G]
I shipped aboard a whaleship to sail without delay
[G] [C]
To the Pacific Ocean, there for a while to stay.
Verse 3
[C] [G]
Through dreary storms and tempest and through some steady gales
[G] [C]
Around Cape Horn we made our way on lookout for sperm whales.
[C] [G]
They will use you,they will rob you; worse than any slaves.
[G] [C]
Before you go a-whaling, boys, you best be in your graves.
Verse 4
[C] [G]
If ever I return again, a solemn vow I'll make
[G] [C]
I'll never go a-whaling, my liberty to stay.
[C] [G]
I'll stay at home contented, never venture far.
[G] [C]
But the pleasures are but few, my boys, far from your native shore.
