here's Wizz Jones' original version:

Night Ferry
(Wizz Jones)

I came home across the channel
To England once again
And I tried to get my mind
A-thinking clear
And I stood and watched
The shore-lights
Disappearing in the night
And then I went below
To get myself a beer.

O the night ferry
Is bringing me home again
Yes the night ferry
Is bringing me home again.

Laughing truck drivers
Sitting down to a midnight meal
And students on the road
Talking to me

But I was just dreaming
That she was by my side
And together we were coming home
Like it used to be.

But in the cold grey light of morning
I know she won't be there
And on my radio I know
It's just bad news.

O the night ferry
Is bringing me home again
Yes the night ferry
Is bringing me home again.