The Final Trawl

Now it's three long years since we made our pay
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
And the owners say that she's had her day
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

So heave away for the final trawl
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
It's an easy pull for the catch is small
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

Then stow your gear, lads, and batten down
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
And I'll take the wheel, lads, and turn her round
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

And we'll join the venture and the Morning Star
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
Riding high and empty towards the bar
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

Now I'd rather beach her on the skerry rock
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
Than to see her torched in the breaker's dock
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

And when I die you could stow me down
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
In her rusty hold where the breakers sound
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

Then I'd make the haven a Fiddler's Green
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
Where the grub is good and the boats are clean
And sing haul away, me laddie-o

But I've fished a lifetime boy and man
Sing haul away, me laddie-o
And the final trawl scarcely makes a crown
And sing haul away, me laddie-o