[Verse 1]
We used to play down by the water
When the spring was in the tide
And there was me and Cat McCluskey
And we ran down side by side
Those games and sweet collisions
Led to kisses like wet sand
I tried to hold the spring tide back
Too young to understand

[Chorus]
Sail, sail on by
Over the deep dark ocean
Till the day I die
Let the motion carry me

[Verse 2]
In time I stood beside the harbour
Just to watch the gulls in flight
And there were girls so full of summer
That they couldn't sleep at night
They moved so ripe and careless
They let their shadows fall
I closed my eyes against the sun
Or I couldn't see at all
[Chorus]
Sail, sail on by
Over the deep dark ocean
Till the day I die
Let the motion carry me

[Verse 3]
The northeast wind is blowing stronger
The days are getting short
The summer boats turned their heads round
They're running home to port
You'd keep me if you could, my love
You'd keep the world from harm
On empty sands we walk and walk
Together, arm in arm

[Chorus]
Sail, sail on by
Over the deep dark ocean
Till the day I die
Let the motion carry me
Sail, sail on by
Over the deep dark ocean
Till the day that I die
Let the motion carry me
Let the motion carry me