Ballad of the Ship of State - David Ackles

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?