The Rum Took The Wheel

[Verse 1] Oh the tide rolled in on a crooked moon night And the tavern lamps were burnin’ low I said “Just one drink,” but the barkeep laughed Said “Boy, that ain’t how the sea winds blow!” Well the fiddler scraped and the mugs went round And the rum ran wild and free By the time the bells rang half past ten The rum took hold of me [Chorus] Oh ho! Pour another round! Let the tankards crash and roar! If the captain asks who steered the ship Say the rum took the wheel once more! Hey ho! Hold fast, me lads! Though the deck won’t stay quite still If the compass spins and the sails go slack Blame the rum that took the wheel! [Verse 2] I staggered out to the midnight pier With the stars all spinning bright Tried salutin’ the harbor post Thought it was the watchman’s light I climbed aboard with a crooked grin And a song I couldn’t feel Next thing I know the ship’s adrift And I’m steering with a barrel of ale [Chorus] Oh ho! Pour another round! Let the tankards crash and roar! If the captain asks who steered the ship Say the rum took the wheel once more! Hey ho! Hold fast, me lads! Though the deck won’t stay quite still If the compass spins and the sails go slack Blame the rum that took the wheel! [Verse 3] The bosun swore by the break of dawn We’d sailed three miles off course The cook was seasick in the hold And the parrot had a hoarse voice The captain roared “Who helmed the ship?!” With a glare that froze the keel I raised me mug and proudly said “Cap’n… the rum took the wheel.” [Chorus] Oh ho! Pour another round! Let the tankards crash and roar! If the captain asks who steered the ship Say the rum took the wheel once more! Hey ho! Hold fast, me lads! Though the deck won’t stay quite still If the compass spins and the sails go slack Blame the rum that took the wheel! [Bridge-crew chant] Stumble left! Stumble right! Nearly tipped the mast tonight! Laugh it off and drink your fill— The rum’s the captain of us still! [Final Chorus- big and loud] Oh ho! Pour another round! Let the storm winds howl and squeal! If the ship runs straight into the rocks Say the rum took the wheel! Hey ho! Raise up your mugs! Let the sea and sky both reel! For the drunkest dog on the seven seas Was the lad where the rum took the wheel!