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