[Verse 1] Oh, rise ye sleepy sailors, rise, The stars still hang in silver skies, The tide rolls in, the gulls all cry, Haul the nets at dawn! The ropes are wet, the deck boards creak, The mist lies cold upon your cheek, No rest for hearts the sea does seek, Haul the nets at dawn! [Chorus – Call and Response] Call: Heave away, lads, pull along! Crew: Haul the nets at dawn! Call: The catch is calling, fierce and strong, Crew: Haul the nets at dawn! All: Heave and sing, the daylight’s near, The sea’s our trade, our home, our cheer, Raise your voice for all to hear— Haul the nets at dawn! [Verse 2] The lanterns fade, the sky turns pale, The waves slap low against the rail, The wind fills up our weary sail, Haul the nets at dawn! We’ve chased the schools from bay to bay, Through storm and calm we earn our pay, With salt in hair and prayers to stay, Haul the nets at dawn! [Chorus] Heave away, lads, pull along! Haul the nets at dawn! The catch is calling, fierce and strong, Haul the nets at dawn! Heave and sing, the daylight’s near, The sea’s our trade, our home, our cheer, Raise your voice for all to hear— Haul the nets at dawn! [Verse 3] And when the day is warm and long, We’ll rest our backs and sing this song, The sea forgives but keeps us strong, Haul the nets at dawn! When night returns, we’ll toast the tide, To ships that float and friends that guide, And sail again at morning’s side, Haul the nets at dawn! [Final Chorus – Slower, full crew harmony] Heave away, lads, pull along, Haul the nets at dawn! The sea still hums her endless song, Haul the nets at dawn! Heave and sing till morning’s glow, Through salt and toil the sailors go, For every wave our hearts still know— We’ll haul the nets at dawn!
