06. My Mark upon the Page | Moby-Dick Act I: The Call of the Sea

[The Scene] With the Pequod chosen, Ishmael and Queequeg present themselves to secure places aboard her. Ishmael's own position is straightforward, but Queequeg must first demonstrate that he belongs among an experienced whaling crew. His skill quickly answers any uncertainty, and he is accepted alongside his friend. Unable to sign his name in the customary way, Queequeg places his mark upon the ship's papers. The two men are now committed to the same vessel and the same voyage, with departure drawing closer. [Verse 1] I stand before the men who judge the crew, And meet their measuring eyes as I must do. They ask what worth I bring upon the sea, I answer not with boasts, but what they see. [Verse 2] My hands have learned their labour through the years, I meet the test without a trace of fears. I let my skill speak plainly in my stead, And leave no need for finer words instead. [Chorus] I need no flourish written by my name, My hand and purpose make an equal claim. Where others write their names upon the page, I leave my mark and step beyond this stage. [Verse 3] The ship that drew my friend has drawn me too, I choose the same wide water, same ship's crew. No stranger's doubt can turn me from the tide, I earn my place and take it at his side. [Verse 4] I left my island by my own command, And crossed the seas far from my native land. Now here another threshold waits for me, A deck, a berth, a labour on the sea. [Chorus] I need no flourish written by my name, My hand and purpose make an equal claim. Where others write their names upon the page, I leave my mark and step beyond this stage. [Verse 5] What matters is the work my hands can do, The steady heart I bring among the crew. Let paper bear the sign that I have made, My place is won by skill that will not fade. [Outro] My mark is set, the bargain now is made, My place beside my friend is firmly laid. The harbour waits, the tide begins to rise, I turn towards the sea beneath wide skies.