Marshall Ruffin — Sailor Song lyrics

Lyrics

Little baby don’t shed a tear
I’ve got a story that you’ll want to hear
About your daddy why I go away
And spend my time I want to see your face
Oh my darling come dry your eyes
Your daddy never wants to see you cry
I know you’ll understand years from now
That every family’s got to get the gold some how
But I’ll be on your mind
When you hear the tide
I love your momma and I love you too
But there are certain things a man must do
To keep his family warm and fed
Some have got to keep the stars above their heads
The sea’s the only thing I’ve ever known
A man of water never sleep or stole
But feel uneasy when we walk the streets
And god I feel the ocean underneath our feet
But I’ll be on your mind
When you hear the tide
You’ll see my face across the sand
And feel the wind against your hand
Though I’m gone my little darling
You’ll never have any reason to cry
So while you will watch the little starlet
You’ll know I’m smiling on down from on high
She has many waves that little soul can take
The lightning and the thunder the waves and the wake
But one thing every man fears more than ice and snow
Is never being there to see his children grow
So before I have to go, before goodbye
Trust me when I tell you time will fly on by
And I know your tears will dry once I’m away
Everybody going to see the matinee
Cause I’ll be on your mind
When you feel the tide
You’ll see my face across the sand
And feel the wind against your hand
Though I’m gone my little darling
I’ll bring your picture along with me
So I will leave you with a warning
Don’t let your sons become men of the sea