[Intro – cheery concertina riff over gentle wave noise] [Deck-call, shouted:] “Heave-ho, lads— sea’s a-rollin’!” [Verse 1 – brisk shanty beat, hand-claps & foot-stomps, and a dark rough seabeats males voice, formed by years on sea ] The whitecaps laugh on the foamin’ blue, They toss our bow like a toy canoe. Salt on our lips and wind in our hair— A sailor’s life with breath to spare. [Pre-Chorus – gang-vocals answer the lead] (Lead) Raise the jib, keep her tight! (Crew) Haul away, she’ll ride tonight! (Lead) Storm or shine we’ll sing our tune— (Crew) Rollin’ seas and a jolly monsoon! [Chorus – full crew, big four-on-the-floor drum] Here comes the Tanker, steady and grand, Brass helm gleamin’, best ship in the land. She cuts through the swells with a belly of steel, Home for the weary, a deck you can feel. Grab the line, climb aboard, have no fear— The Tanker is here, boys, the Tanker is here! [Verse 2 – whistle melody echoes the vocal] We’ve chased the dawn round many a cape, Shared out the grog, spun tales till late. But when the rollers grew twice our mast, That trusty Tanker was built to last. [Pre-Chorus – call & response, claps louder] (Lead) Ropes may snap and spars may groan— (Crew) Still she’ll drive us safely home! (Lead) Waves may boom like cannon fire— (Crew) Yet her glowing stacks climb ever higher! [Chorus – repeat with extra harmonies & stomps] Here comes the Tanker, steady and grand, Brass helm gleamin’, best ship in the land. She cuts through the swells with a belly of steel, Home for the weary, a deck you can feel. Grab the line, climb aboard, have no fear— The Tanker is here, lads, the Tanker is here! [Bridge – music drops to humming & concertina] (Spoken warmly) If a mate goes over and the sea runs wild, We’ll swing her ‘round for that wayward child. No soul adrift while our lights still glow— The Tanker won’t leave a man below. [Final Chorus – double-tempo hand-drum & joyful gang shout] Here comes the Tanker, steady and grand, Brass helm gleamin’, best ship in the land! Bend to the wind, let the storm have its fun— We’ll sing her home till the voyage is done. Raise your glass, clap your hands, give a cheer— The Tanker is here, boys, the Tanker is here! [Outro – crew whistles the hook while gulls cry, fade with splashing oars]
