O pilot! 'tis a fearful night,
There's danger on the deep.

O pilot! 'tis a fearful night,
There's danger on the deep.

Thus, I steer my bark, and sail
On even keel, with gentle gale.

Thus, I steer my bark, and sail
On even keel, with gentle gale.

What though the sea be calm? trust to the shore,
Ships have been drown'd, where late they danc'd before.

What though the sea be calm? trust to the shore,
Ships have been drown'd, where late they danc'd before.

Yet the best pilots have need of mariners, besides sails, anchor
and other tackle.

Yet the best pilots have need of mariners, besides sails, anchor
and other tackle.

Soon shall thy arm, unconquered steam, afar
Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car;
Or read more

Soon shall thy arm, unconquered steam, afar
Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car;
Or on wide waving wings expanded bear
The flying chariot through the fields of air.

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest
navigators.

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest
navigators.

And as great seamen, using all their wealth
And skills in Neptune's deep invisible paths,
In tall read more

And as great seamen, using all their wealth
And skills in Neptune's deep invisible paths,
In tall ships richly built and ribbed with brass,
To put a girdle round about the world.

A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill!
Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?
Lord help 'em, how I read more

A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill!
Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?
Lord help 'em, how I pities them
Unhappy folks on shore now!

Oh, I am a cook and a captain bold
And the mate of the Nancy brig,
And read more

Oh, I am a cook and a captain bold
And the mate of the Nancy brig,
And a bo'sun tight and a midshipmite
And the crew of the captain's gig.