Ballad

Once there was a barge lad, way up atop the mast

Shouting to the skipper, "We've made it home at last"

Well, I was that barge lad, way up atop the mast

But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper had better be holding fast

Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high

You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky

Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will

So eyes front and away we sail

Oh, you've got to be able, way up atop the mast

Your legs better be nimble, and your head better think fast

Well, I was that able, way up atop the mast

But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper is hardy enough to last

Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high

You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky

Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will

So eyes front, keep your head, and away we'll sail

Oh, you've eyes like an eagle, way up atop the mast

Spotting all the obstacles that come across your path

Well, I was that eagle, way up atop the mast

But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper will keep us from taking a bath

Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high

You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky

Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will

So eyes front, keep your head, clear your throat, and away we sail

Oh, you've got to remember, way up atop the mast

Knowing all the river is that you never learn from the charts

Well, I do remember, way up atop the mast

But now, I'm the skipper, and that young nipper is taking the rivers to heart

Oh, we're loaded down with bales so high

You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky

Oh, the Thames may forgive us, but the old never will

So eyes front, keep your head, clear your throat

Know your way, fill your pipe

Grab on tight, look for the lights, and away we sail