Here's Pete Watkinson's version, which has several differences from Tom's. Perhaps Vic could come back and give us the definitive words! I'll try and post the tune later.

Pete's notes say: "A song that instantly appealed to me the first time I heard it. Written about a fictional mariner, by a writer of contemporary songs who was challenged to write a song for traditional singer, Vic Simpson. In memory of John Purdy."

Mick

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SONG FOR VIC
(Ken Cockrell)

  Chorus:
  Oh, not for me the sun brings the morning-o.
  No, not for me of patient mind.
  No more for me long hauls down to Borneo,
  For I am old and I am blind

They tell me now that ships are twice as long,
And that the hull's all made of iron.
Just 'cause I'm blind you can't fool me, my lads,
For they would sink beneath the brine

Now as I sit on foggy ev'nings
I hear that deep voice booming clear,
And if I were a brave young sailor lad
Then that's a sound I hold most dear.

And from my bed November mornings
I feel the tremble, hear the roar,
And I say a prayer for those out dying
And all the drowned men gone before.

(Last line of final chorus repeated)


Source: Pete Watkinson CD Hampshire Rose