The Pirates Shanty

Act One Em D Em I am not a pirate, but I long to be, Em D Em Sailing by the stars across the seven seas, Em D Em Living with no earthly cares, my mates and me— Em D Em The envy of all worldly men, who are not free. Whistling....instrumental...bring in drums Em D Em A song to sing for beggars, a song to sing for saints, Em D Em A song to sing for wealthy men all wrapped and bound in chains! Em D Em Our treasure's not in gold, or in our piety. Em D Em Our wealth is in an answered call, the longing of the sea! Em D Em Stormy oceans carry us to lands we've never known, Em D Em To mysteries and buried secrets from the tales of old. Em D Em So hoist the sail and raise the flag, we do not stop for night. Em D Em We'll ride the wild winds and waves until the morning's light! Em D Em In smuggler's caves and tavern halls, we live by no man's rules. Em D Em We fly the colors of the living, free and proud and true! Em D Em We set out on the ocean blue to escape tyranny. Em D Em We'll keep our merry hearts alive so long we roam the sea. Sea Sea Sea! Em D Em A man once walked along the shore, and called he out to me, Em D Em "I see you are a fisherman, a lover of the sea. Em D Em I know this world's a wretched place, but if you'll follow me Em D Em I'll take all of your burdens... and pirates we shall be! NC Yo ho, yo ho! Act Two Em D Em Hope is now before us, and misery at aft. Em D Em We could not care the lesser for the men who say, "You're daft!" Em D Em So let the howling winds blow in and take hold of the mast. Em D Em Release the wheel and all your sins, for you are free at last! Em D Em "Swab the deck, my clever lad, and listen close to me. Em D Em Learn my ways, and soon one day a captain you shall be. Em D Em Climb the rigging, mount the nest, and say, what can you see?" Em D Em "A fleet upon the starboard side... in battle we shall meet!" Em D Em "Load the cannons, raise the flag, and take hold of your heart! Em D Em A proper man of courage does not flee before the start. Em D Em Do not fear when death is near, when doom is night at hand. Em D Em Your end marks the beginning of a life in fairer lands!" Em D Em All day the battle rages, and on into the night. Em D Em With clashing swords and pistol shots, upon the decks we fight! Em D Em We match our wits and cannonballs with the finest of their fleet. Em D Em Their admiral walks the plank in the shame of his defeat. Em D Em So raise a drink to plunder, and lift a toast for spoils. Em D Em Cheer good men - in bravery, the enemy we've foiled! Em D Em Pour another round and we will sing a song of joy. Em D Em When next we make our port the folk will say, “Victors—ahoy!" Em D Em We moor upon an isle of wealthy fools and knaves Em D Em Who drink all night and sleep all day on the labor of their slaves. Em D Em When the sun has set, we break off all their chains Em D Em And share with them our plunder, and now free men they are made! Em D Em We hole up in the tavern with our new crewmen and mates. Em D Em Soon those rich folks come a calling for their run aways! Em D Em The barman sends them off with ale, saying, "Go, drink your sway!" Em D Em But when the rest have gone, one aging wealthy man does stay. Em D Em "I was once a young lad, sailing by the charts. Em D Em I did not savor wind, nor water, nor admire the stars. Em D Em Now I have grown old and frail, and do not journey far. Em D Em I only long to sail the seas once more to find my heart." Em D Em Well, come aboard and voyage long, we make for unmapped shores. Em D Em Ride the stormy seas with us, you'll find that soul of yourn. Em D Em Leave your wealth behind you, and your bitter scorn. Em D Em Make your home with slaves and sinners—then you'll be reborn. Em D Em Yo ho, yo ho! 3X out take!