[Verse 1] We pulled from port at dawn With a grin and a grin and a groan Our nav' came clutching his brass old box Said, “Trust me, boys, I’ve known” He spun that dial with a wink Like the sea itself was his mate Then marched us straight past every mark And called it “a tidy route” so great [Chorus] Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) He swears we’re close, we sail the wrong way (the wrong way) Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) He’s dead certain, lads, come what may (come what may) [Verse 2] He points at gulls and says “Land” When we’re miles from a shore in sight He calls a crab “a royal scout” And a fog bank “north by night” The cook just laughs in the galley The deckhand spits on the rail While he struts by proud as a captain’s cat And he never, ever fails [Chorus] Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) He swears we’re close, we sail the wrong way (the wrong way) Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) He’s dead certain, lads, come what may (come what may) [Bridge] Last night he led us near a reef And swore it was a “shorter lane” We skimmed the stones by a finger’s width Then laughed through the pouring rain He kissed that compass, said, “Good tool” Then turned us back toward the foam If he says “left,” we all say “right” And sing ourselves back home [Final Chorus] Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) He swears we’re close, we sail the wrong way (the wrong way) Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) We’ll follow him and laugh all day (laugh all day) Oh, the broken compass points astray (points astray) He’s dead certain, lads, come what may (come what may)
