[Intro] Come gather close, the tide runs wide Salt on our coats, the dawn beside [Chant] Ho—hey, haul the canvas high Ho—hey, let the gulls wheel by [Verse 1] From the stone quay, past the market square We trade one good story for bread to share Your hand on the tiller, my boot keeping time The harbor bells answer our ragged rhyme [Chorus] Ho—hey, turn the wheel around Ho—hey, wake the sleeping town Raise your voice as the red sun climbs Sail together through changing tides [Verse 2] Old Nessa keeps charts in a flour sack seam She knows every reef by the shape of a dream At Skerry Point, where the gray seals call We’ll drop our anchor and feast till fall [Chant] Ho—hey, haul the canvas high Ho—hey, let the gulls wheel by [Verse 3] A squall came hard off the western foam You held the lantern; I steered us home No silver crown and no lord’s decree Could buy the brave company you gave me [Chorus] Ho—hey, turn the wheel around Ho—hey, wake the sleeping town Raise your voice as the red sun climbs Sail together through changing tides [Bridge] When the last cask’s empty and the maps are torn We’ll mend our sleeves by the break of morn If the sea takes the road from under our feet We’ll find one another where the rivers meet [Final Chorus] Ho—hey, turn the wheel around Ho—hey, wake the sleeping town Raise your voice as the red sun climbs Sail together through changing tides [Outro] Ho—hey, one last call Ho—hey, safe harbor for all
