07. The Men I Must Bring Home | Moby-Dick Act I: The Call of the Sea

[The Scene] With Ishmael and Queequeg now committed to the Pequod, attention shifts aboard the ship as preparations for departure gather pace. Starbuck surveys the men whose safety will depend partly upon his judgement once they leave the harbour behind. His thoughts move between the responsibilities of command and the family waiting for him ashore, establishing the sense of duty that will later place him in conflict with Ahab. For Starbuck, bringing the ship home means bringing its men home as well. [Verse 1] Before we loose these ropes and leave the bay, I count the lives entrusted to this way. Each man who climbs aboard accepts the foam, I take their names as men I must bring home. [Verse 2] The ocean has no mercy for a name, It tests the wise and reckless just the same. So I will hold my judgement clear and true, For every choice I make concerns the crew. [Chorus] These are the men I must bring home again, Through quiet waters, darkness, wind and rain. And somewhere past the reach of mast and foam, My own heart keeps a lantern lit at home. [Verse 3] Yet while I watch the harbour lights grow small, Another home remains behind them all. I see the faces waiting at my door, And feel the distance widening from the shore. [Verse 4] Command is not the right to spend a life, Nor prove one's courage merely through the strife. A mate must know when firmness serves the day, And when a wiser hand should turn away. [Chorus] These are the men I must bring home again, Through quiet waters, darkness, wind and rain. And somewhere past the reach of mast and foam, My own heart keeps a lantern lit at home. [Verse 5] I do not fear the labour or the deep, But promises are burdens I must keep. If danger comes, I mean to face it square, And keep these men within my constant care. [Outro] The tide will turn and carry us from land, I take my place with duty close at hand. Whatever waits beyond the harbour foam, I sail remembering whom I must bring home.