One More Pull

One More Pull (1982)

It's been a long time since you've seen her 

Must have been three years or more. 

Will she be waiting when we dock, boy 

Or like others will she be gone?

<And one more pull boys, that'll do boys 

Soon we'll draw alongside. 

Hoist her upward, swing her inboard 

For the journey's nearly done.>

Well you're looking mighty smart, boy 

Dressed up in your number ones 

You've scrounged a new blade from the purser 

To take the bum-fluff from off your chin.

<...>

When we've fixed the bow and stern lines 

And you've scuttled down the gangway 

If she's waiting there, just kiss her 

Then turn around, give us a smile.

For we too will go ashore soon 

We'll get drunk in the clubs and bars, 

Crawl back on board, boy, pockets empty 

Like so many times before.

For a man may take a wife, boy 

And that man may have a mistress, 

But a sailor has his ship, boy 

And his mistress it is the sea.

And one more pull boys, that'll do boys... 

For the journey now is done.