[The Scene] Following Ahab’s defiance of the violent storm, Starbuck becomes increasingly convinced that his captain’s obsession threatens the lives of everyone aboard the Pequod. Finding himself outside Ahab’s cabin with a loaded musket, he confronts the possibility of ending the captain’s command through a single fatal shot. His thoughts turn to the crew, their families and his own wife and child waiting at home. Yet despite believing that Ahab may lead them all to destruction, Starbuck cannot bring himself to commit murder, nor can he be certain that doing so would save them. He lowers the weapon and withdraws, leaving Ahab in command and the fate of the Pequod unresolved. [Verse 1] The storm still hurls its thunder through the night, I hold the loaded musket to the light. Beyond the door my captain lies asleep, While men on deck their anxious watches keep. [Verse 2] I watched him face the storm and claim the sea, As though our lives were his alone to decree. I pleaded that he spare the ship this fate, He turned away and left me with its weight. [Chorus] One shot might turn us towards the distant shore, One shot might spare the lives I answer for. Yet in my hand the answer turns to night, For who shall say that murder makes it right? [Verse 3] I think of all the sailors at the rail, Of hands that mend the ropes and reef the sail. For each there's someone waiting far from here, A face he longs to see, a voice to hear. [Verse 4] My wife and child are waiting far away, I see their faces in the lantern's sway. I long to hold them in my arms once more, And bring these sailors living to the shore. [Chorus] One shot might turn us towards the distant shore, One shot might spare the lives I answer for. Yet in my hand the answer turns to night, For who shall say that murder makes it right? [Verse 5] One shot could leave him lifeless on the floor, And end the hunt that brought us to this door. Yet I can neither prove what men I'd save, Nor lift that question from a captain's grave. [Verse 6] I set the musket down beside the door, And hear the restless ocean rise and roar. I could not shoot; the choice remains with me, As does the fate of those still out at sea. [Chorus] One shot might turn us towards the distant shore, One shot might spare the lives I answer for. Yet in my hand the answer turns to night, For who shall say that murder makes it right? [Outro] I leave the weapon where its iron lay, And go to meet the peril of the day. I cannot claim that I have chosen well, But I must live with what I cannot tell.
