THE SEA MUST HAVE AN ENDING
(Lester Simpson)

As the gale blows out and leaves a breeze
Not fit to blow a candle out
The stinging rain will dry
And life goes on again, you need not doubt
Torn sails mend and spars renew
And Bristol fashion once more reigns
And weary bodies sleep secure
Knowing they are safe again

Though we're all bound to go
Our thoughts to you are winging
And homeward is our dream
For the sea must have an ending

We're outward bound from friends and lovers
Emerald fields fade into grey
She dances slow to deep new rhythms
Watch on watch, and day by day
White gulls wheeled and sang farewell
When you left old England's strand
And down the latitudes they'll greet you
When you're closing foreign lands

Though we're all bound to go…

The great ships traded 'round the world
Driven just by wind and tide
From polar canvas hard as iron
To doldrum days you nearly fried
And down the trades on heaving decks
White sails towering to the sky
Aching backs and hands afire
All plain sails steer full and by

Though we're all bound to go…

And when the long trip's done at last
Sea-chests stowed, all battened down
To go or stay is Jack's dilemma
He's all at sea on solid ground
But memory's dark and salty dreams
For the sea will always take its own
And like a siren call the young
Off to sail when they are grown

Though we're all bound to go…