I've sailed this sea through long summer nights,

when the breeze was calm and the chop was light.

I've seen the beauty of the spring's early morn

and sea chilled with ice in a land forlorned.

I've smelled the freshness of the sea filling the air

and I’ve felt freedom blowing in my hair.

I've lifted a sail into the breeze to take flight,

then felt it's gentle tug rock through the night.

I've seen the big ships and whales pass by,

as I've watched the whole world through an old sailor's eyes.

Don't get me wrong, I’ve battled rough seas to stay alive,

but none this old sailor couldn't survive.

I remember the nights when storms whipped at our sails

and the days when the sun never pierced the veil.

I remember the moon shining bright on sea,

and watching for ice and praying I was free.

I remember friends who have now gone away

and how they struggled on this earth to stay.

I once had dreams and now they’ve all faded,

even the rocking of the ship in my mind has abated.

I can still sail on clear starry nights or calm summers’ day,

but I've lost the thirst to sail away.

Standing in the harbor looking out at the sea

I wonder what was there and why it stopped calling me.

"Sail, Sail, Sail while you can,"

I tell all the young sailors to sail and become a man.

Don't miss a swell or a storm in the sea,

you must sail them all before you grow old, like me.

Don't let a day slip through your hands,

you're making the memories for an old man.

Love her now, sailor of the sea,

love her now and come home to tell me.