This song is not a true work shanty. It is really a sea song
that would be sung for fun or as a (forecastle shanty).
Lyrics
My boat's by the tower, and my bark's on the bay,
and both must be gone at the dawn of the day.
The moon's in her shroud, and to light thee afar
On the deck of the daring's a lovelighted star.
Chorus
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
So forgive me my rough mood unaccustomed to sue;
I woo not, perhaps, as your landlubbers do.
My voice is attuned to the sound of the gun
That startles the deep when the combat's begun.
Chorus
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
The Frenchman and Don will flee from our path,
and the Englishmen cower below at our wrath,
And our sails shall be gilt in the gold of the day,
And the sea robins sing as we roll on our way.
Chorus
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
A hundred shall serve - the best of the brave,
And the chief of a thousand shall kneel as thy slave,
And thou shalt reign queen, and thy empire shall last
Till the black flag by inches, is torn from the mast.
Chorus
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
So wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
Oh, this night or never my bride thou shalt be,
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