Texty: Richard Thompson. Front Parlour Ballads. Row, Boys, Row.

Feel that sting across your back and row, boys, row
Don?t wait for the whip to crack and row, boys, row
Is it wise to be moaning when the captain comes?

Tip your hat and get grinning though you?re worn to the gums
Is it wise to be needy in the land of the free?
Is it wise to be bleeding in a shark-filled sea?

Seven years of bad luck
Should have read the small print

Save my soul, save my soul
I?m chained below, chained below
Carving sailors little keepsakes
Out of teeth and nails and driftwood

Got to keep the old ship moving
Ploughing through the Sea of Cortez
Living skeletons for neighbors

Hear the Bo sun, beat the drum and row, boys, row
Slavery till kingdom come and row, boys, row
Is it wise to be asking for a morsel more

When you see what they done to them what asked before?
Is it wise to be kneeling with your arse poking free?
Is it wise to be bleeding in a shark-filled sea?