There's a dim light off the pier
And I've been watching it for years
Through the crashing waves there's a distant bell
It won't stop ringing in my head
All I do is stare and wait
For her to come and take me far away (Well)

When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'
After all these years I'll be happy
When my ship comes in, you'll finally love me
Then I can leave you when my ship comes in

There's a bitter old man on the shore
With an albatross tied 'round his throat
And he tells me to forget that boat
He rambles on and I just get bored
I hear the laughter of the crew
They know the ropes that see me through
The truth and brighter days (Well)

When my ship comes in I won't be lonely
I'll have lots of friends and they'll all want me
When my ship comes in, you'll be sorry
And I'll be something when my ship comes in

I'll be standing at the rail
Waving you goodbye
You'll be standing on the beach
You'll be wondering why
When my ship comes in I might take you
You could swab the decks if you're nice today
When my ship comes in we'll be something
Won't that be something when my ship comes in

[Instrumental Break]

All I do is stare and wait
For her to come and take me far away

When my ship comes in I might take you
You could swab the decks if you're nice today
When my ship comes in we'll be something
Won't that be something when my ship comes in
When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'
After all these years I'll be happy
When my ship comes in, you'll finally love me
Then I can't have you when my ship comes in

When my ship comes in

When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'
After all these years I'll be happy
When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'
And I'll be leaving when my ship comes in
When my ship comes in I'll be happenin'
After all these years I'll be happy