[Verse 1] First knot holds the wrist to the spar Second knot keeps the elbow still Third is the one that teaches the lung How little air the body will The hook is not a question The hook is how we bill [Call and Response] Nine knots and a hook! (Nine knots and a hook!) Pull together now Nine knots and a hook! (Nine knots and a hook!) He’ll tell us when and how [Verse 2] Fourth knot is a courtesy Fifth knot is a fact Sixth is the one that finds the name The seventh takes it back Eighth is only silence Ninth is the last act [Call and Response] Nine knots and a hook! (Nine knots and a hook!) Count it with the swell Nine knots and a hook! (Nine knots and a hook!) The water keeps it well [Bridge] Heave on the line Hold on the line The instructor never raises his voice Heave on the line Hold on the line The sea already made the choice [Final Call] Nine knots and a hook Nine knots and a hook Make it neat Make it last Nine knots and a hook
