THE ESSEX

Oh, Sea Lad, Oh, Sea Lad
Yes, what is it, Sir?
Where am I? I seem to smell salt in the air
There’s a creaking and roaring coming from the floor
And outside I can hear a watery roar

Oh no Sir, don’t you know, Sir, it’s a whaler you’re in
The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in
We’ll challenge the reefs and we’ll weather the gales
The Essex will go out in search of the whales

Oh, Sea Lad, Oh, Sea Lad
Yes, what is it, Sir?
There’s been a mistake, how’d I end up in here?
Last night I was raucous, the street was my bed
Perhaps I drank too much and now I am dead

Oh no Sir, don’t you know, Sir, it’s a whaler you’re in
The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in
We’ll challenge the reefs and we’ll weather the gales
The Essex will go out in search of the whales

Oh, Sea Lad, Oh, Sea Lad
Yes, what is it, Sir?
There is not a chance you’ve a rowboat to spare?
I’ve been on this ship for a month now I think
I need to go home, I’m in need of a drink

Oh no Sir, don’t you know, Sir, it’s a whaler you’re in
The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in
We’ll challenge the reefs and we’ll weather the gales
The Essex will go out in search of the whales

Oh, Sea Lad, Oh, Sea Lad
Yes, what is it, Sir?
There’s a whale all approaching so let us prepare
To turn tail and run for that whale sure is large
This ship would be splinters if it were to charge

Oh no Sir, don’t you know, Sir, it’s a whaler you’re in
The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in
We’ll challenge the reefs and we’ll weather the gales
The Essex will go out in search of the whales

Oh, Sea Lad, Oh, Sea Lad
Yes, what is it, Sir?
I think I was right, the whale was coming here
I heard a great crash and we’re on a decline
My feet are all wet and that’s not a good sign

Oh no Sir, don’t you know, Sir, it’s a whaler you’re in
The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in
We’ll challenge the reefs and we’ll weather the gales
The Essex will go out in search of the whales

Oh, Sea Lad, Oh, Sea Lad
Yes, what is it, Sir?
Perhaps all this blue means we’re underwater
I think we are drowning, I think we are through
I think it’s the end of the fine Essex crew

Oh no Sir, don’t you know, Sir, it’s a whaler you’re in
The crew are all sturdy folk outside and in
We’ll challenge the reefs and we’ll weather the gales
The Essex will go out in search of the whales