[Verse 1] Oh, my hands are raw from the lines I haul, And the sails are torn from the squall’s cruel call. The deck’s been scrubbed ‘til it shines like gold, But the salt and toil make a man grow old. I dream of docks where the rum runs free, Take me to Tortuga, let me be! [Chorus] Take me to Tortuga, where the shore meets the sky, Where the work is done, and a man can lie. Take me to Tortuga, with a mug in my hand, Let me leave this ship and feel the sand. [Verse 2] Oh, the capstan turns and the anchor’s weighed, The bosun’s shout keeps us all afraid. The rigging’s frayed, and the mast won’t bend, But there’s no relief until journey’s end. I long for nights with a song to cheer, Take me to Tortuga, get me there! [Chorus] Take me to Tortuga, where the shore meets the sky, Where the work is done, and a man can lie. Take me to Tortuga, with a mug in my hand, Let me leave this ship and feel the sand. [Verse 3] Oh, the ropes are stiff, and the sea’s grown cold, And the barrels leak where the ale was stowed. The hammocks sway in the hold below, But rest is scarce when the gales do blow. I’d trade it all for a tavern’s light, Take me to Tortuga, tonight’s the night! [Chorus] Take me to Tortuga, where the shore meets the sky, Where the work is done, and a man can lie. Take me to Tortuga, with a mug in my hand, Let me leave this ship and feel the sand. [Verse 4] Oh, the bow it breaks through the ocean’s spray, But the miles to go stretch far away. Let the hull run dry, let the anchor fall, And the laughter ring through the harbor’s hall. For a sailor’s dream is a shore-bound cheer, Take me to Tortuga, get me near! [Chorus x2] Take me to Tortuga, where the shore meets the sky, Where the work is done, and a man can lie. Take me to Tortuga, with a mug in my hand, Let me leave this ship and feel the sand.
