Oh you slipped away from the harbour side
In the morning bright and clear
And your sails were filled with the rising wind
And you laughed for all to hear
But you never glanced at the ragged dance
Of your lovers on the quay
Don't call on them when the winds rise high
On the dark and the rolling sea

Oh you set your course for the furthest shores
And you never once looked back
And the flag you flew was a pirate cross
On a field of velvet black
And those landsmen who you but lately knew
Were left stranded on the lea
Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise
On the dark and the rolling sea

Oh I have no need of a chart or creed
You told your waiting crew
For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight
And you spoke as though you knew
So you paid no mind to the warning signs
As you gave your words so free
Don't change your tack when the timbers crack
On the dark and the rolling sea

Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails
And the stars desert the skies
And the rigging strains as the hands of rain
Reach down to wash your eyes
And your oarsmen stands with his knife in hand
And his eyes spell mutiny
Don't call my name when your ship goes down
On the dark and the rolling sea


Lyrics submitted by webmasterdee

The dark and the rolling sea Lyrics as written by Alistair Ian Stewart

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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The Dark and Rolling Sea song meanings
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    My Interpretation

    About a person who flaunted morals and conventional wisdom ("I have no need of a chart or creed"), betrayed or used everyone close to him/her ("those landsmen who you but lately knew/Were left stranded on the lea") and lived life heedless of the consequences ("the flag you flew was a pirate cross"). The narrator tried to convince this person to change his/her ways, but gave up in frustration ("you paid no mind to the warning signs") and is now watching from a distance as the consequences of his/her actions catch up with him/her: "Don't call my name when your ship goes down"

    [Edit: Improved interpretation.]
    BabyMon September 20, 2023   Link

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