One night camme on a hurricane, the sea wuz mountains rollin',
When Barney Buntline chew'd his quid an' said to Billy Bowline,
"A strong nor-west-er's blowin', Bill; Hark, don't you hear it roar now?
Lord help 'em; 'ow I pitties 'em unhappy folks on shore now,"
With a tow, row, row, Right to me addy, Wi' a tow, row, row!
"An' as for them what lives in towns, what dangers they be all in,
An' now lay quakin' in their beds for fear the roof should fall in;
While you an' I, Bill, on the deck are comfortably lyin'.
My eyes! What tiles an' chimney pots about their heads are flyin'!"
"An' as for them what's out all day on business from their houses,
Returnin' home so late at night to cheer their babes an' spouses,
Poor creatures how they envy us an' wishes, I've a notion,
For our good luck in such a storm to be upon the ocean."
"Both you and I have oftimes heard how men are killed an' undone,
By overturn of carriages, by thieves, and fires of London.
We know what risks all landsmen run, from noblemen to tailors.
Then, Bill, let us thank Providence that you and I be sailors."