Old wood paint is peeling white
Battered by the harbor light
Sitting on the salted pier
Waiting for the coast to clear
Rocking in the winter gale
Watching for a lonely sail
Back and forth upon the floor
Swaying by the open door
Iron bolts are turning red
Salty mist is overhead
Creaking on a rusted chain
Drinking in the freezing rain
Rocking in the winter gale
Watching for a lonely sail
Back and forth upon the floor
Swaying by the open door
Heavy boots on wooden planks
Tide is rising in the banks
Leather straps and hempen rope
Holding on to steady hope
Grey clouds hide the northern star
Shipping lanes are drifting far
Cold wind bites the frozen skin
Let the heavy tide come in
Sanded down by grit and brine
Crossing every weathered line
Bending with the sudden gust
Turning all the gold to rust
Rocking in the winter gale
Watching for a lonely sail
Back and forth upon the floor
Swaying by the open door
Lantern oil is burning low
Watching how the currents flow
Steady as a lighthouse beam
Waking from a heavy dream
Rocking in the winter gale
Watching for a lonely sail
Back and forth upon the floor
Swaying by the open door
Swing low, swing low
Swaying by the open door
Swaying by the open door