When I was young and in my prime
And could wander wild and free
There was always a longing in my heart
To follow the call of sea

So I'll sing farewell to Carlingford
And farewell to Greenore
I'll think of both day and night
Until I return once more
Until I return once more

On all of the stormy seven seas
I have sailed before the mast
But on every voyage I ever made
I swore it would be my last

Now I have a girl called Mary Doyle
And she lives in Greenore
And the foremost thought was in her mind
To keep me safe on the shore

Now a landsman's life is all his own
He can go or he can stay
But when the sea gets in your blood
When she calls you must obey