Sleek, swift, streamlined ship
Shield-clad and shining
Tell to me the tale of your trip
When the limpest of men were your lining
O, I know you were a ship of fools
O, I know you were a ship of fools

You tried to take them to new trade
But they were afraid to follow
Land-lubbers of the lowest grade
Their hearts and their heads were both hollow
O, I know you were a ship of fools
O, I know you were a ship of fools

But your form is far-out, framed by foam
A cloven crocodile
Whale's-highway is your home
Swan's-Riding is your style
With a ship of fools

Fine-finned, shaped like a shark
The wind awaits your awaking
Designed for delving into the dark
Of mysteries and their making
O, I know you were a ship of fools
O, I know you were a ship of fools
A ship of fools
A ship of fools
You were a ship of fools
Ship of fools