Upon the Wind's Call

So I gathered my possessions and at nightfall, slipped away
I had wearied of this toil on stony ground
Ten summers had I spent in cutting wood and baling hay
A voice that compelled me - I heard it on the wind's call

My inheritance had grown as the wage had become low
For one is lost where seed will not sow
So I carried my curse unto ages unfound
A voice that compelled me - I heard it on the wind's call

Sailed on the brigg 'Charlotta' headed for the new world
Two hundred souls were crowding in her hold
Through violent storms and cholera we reached our final port
I'd never return - I had sailed upon the wind's call

On a steamboat down the river, joined the ranks to dig for gold
I had scarcely fare nor money for to hold me
Fur trappers, thieves and murderers accompanied me south
I knew I'd never return - I had sailed upon the wind's call

With the host of hundreds headed for the western bay
A simple man alone amongst a crowd
Two days out, yellow fever caught up with us like the plague
It took many men by day... it was borne upon the wind's call

And it struck me down this morning as we broke the camp to leave
Abandoned here and no-one for my aid
My thoughts drift back to Helsingborg; my wife and children, three
I shall never return
I have sailed upon the wind's call
I am lost upon the wind's call