How happy and alive I used to be,
When I was told I was going to sea,
I remember thinking, 'now I am free',
As you waved me away at the dockside.

The ship was bigger than ever I saw,
I remember wanting to just explore,
Though when I had my fill there was still more,
As you waved me away at the dockside.

I stopped and watched you there waving away,
My feelings were too powerful to say,
I stood there and felt a pang of dismay,
As you waved me away at the dockside.

I’ve filled my lungs with the salty sea air,
I’ve left behind all the people that care,
We're heading northeast but I’m not sure where,
As you waved me away at the dockside.

This voyage is making all the lads scared,
Our only comfort is seeing you cared,
I could not tell you even if I dared,
As you waved me away at the dockside.

I treasure the time that we got to spend,
You may never get the letters I send,
I fear we sail to our watery end,
As you waved me away at the dockside.