There's a dim light off the pier   I've been watchin' it for years   Through the crashin' waves there's a distant bell   And it won't stop ringing in my head      All I do is stare and wait   For her to come and take me far away      When my ship comes in, I'll be happenin'   After all these years, I'll be happy   When my ship comes in you'll finally love me   Then I can leave you when my ship comes in      There's a bitter old man on the shore   With an albatross tied 'round his throat   And he tells me to forget that boat   He rambles on I just get bored      I hear the laughter of the crew   They know the ropes they'll see me through   The truth and brighter days      When my ship comes in I won't be lonely   I'll have lots of friends and they'll all want me   When my ship comes in, you'll be sorry   And I'll be something when my ship comes in      I'll be standing at the rail   Waving you goodbye   You'll be standing on the beach   You'll be wondering why      All I do is stare and wait   For her to come and take me far away      When my ship comes in I might take you   You could swab the deck if you're nice today   When my ship comes in we'll be somethin'   Won't that be something when my ship comes in      When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'   After all these years I'll be happy   When my ship comes in you'll finally love me   Then I can have you when my ship comes in