[Verse 1]
John Lee, your headache's growing, the cold wind's blowing
But the sea's without a ripple
John Lee, your forehead's damp, your muscles cramp
And the sea can't use a cripple

[Refrain]
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee

[Verse 2]
John Lee's been made a freeman, his heart's a seaman
But his flesh won't make a sailor
Working in a big hotel, awaiting for the bell
That's ringing for his labour

[Refrain]
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee

[Verse 3]
John Lee, your chances are good, you better touch wood
We think things must get better
John Lee, you've a friend so true, she wants to help you
Miss Keyse has sent a letter
[Refrain]
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee

[Verse 4]
"Dear John, come and work at the Glen
Just write me when and I'll send someone to meet you"
John's gone to where he started from
He's not worked long, just beginning to belong
"It hasn't been a very good day
The missus wants to halve my pay
Close the door and douse the light
It's quiet at night when she's tucked in tight
Sometimes I feel, when they're all in bed
It's almost like the whole world's dead
So I lay me down to sleep, I pray thee Lord my soul to keep"

[Outro]
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee
John Lee, you're turning around your fate again, oh, John Lee