Lyrics Ballad of the Ship of State - David Ackles

Ballad of the Ship of State

Is this ship going home?
Will you take some old young men for crew?
We left our flag in tatters
Where it fell along the shore
They said a flag’s what matters
But nothing matters anymore
'Cause you’re ten years overdue!
Ten years!
Do you have some room within your hold
For some friends of ours who won’t be growing old?
Why won’t you answer us?
Why aren’t we told?
Is this ship going home?
Listen, all of you!
Shut up and listen to me!
You don’t have to shout, we hear you
You don’t have to wave, w see
It’s just that we’re very surprisd
To find you alive
We were told there was nothing going on
And that all of you’d gone
Is this ship going home?
You must have room, we are so few
Ten years we’ve stood here waiting
For a ship to hove in view
We will have no more of waiting
Tell the captain, tell the crew
That they’re ten years overdue!
Ten years!
Listen, all of you!
Shut up and listen to me!
The captain is locked in his quarters
He is busy and can’t be disturbed
And as for the crew
I’d watch out were I you
For we can’t keep their appetites curbed
No, we can’t keep their appetites curbed
Is this ship going…
Please, please.
Get up off your knees
You must see it’s better this way
You were such doughty fellows
While fighting the yellows
That they might even ask you to stay
Yes, they might even ask you to stay
Don’t you get the idea?
You’re much better off here
You’re not welcome at home anymore
'Cause we’re all so bored with the war
Cast off, Mister Mate!
Is this ship going home?