Standing on the deck, it seems the moon is turning brighter After eight months out to sea, I think I’ve gone insane On the 21st of May, our ship sailed from Nantucket Cutting through still waters of the night At six and thirty men, the Town Ho’s whaling out of sight
And we’ll never find our way For our sins we cannot pay
Steelkilt lay low What’s that pump stopped for Damn your eyes said the mate, now you better turn to Steelkilt lay low, break you backs now lads Look away look away Steelkilt lay low For the Lake Man’s soul Being flogged on the deck was more than he could bear Steelkilt lay low You’re haunted by old Radney’s Ghost, Radney’s Ghost
Ole Rad was dropped with a punch spouted blood just like a whale And Steelkilt called for the Canallers ere the crew could take him down Cried the Captain from the deck, “Ye pirates, ye cutthroats You’re sure to burn in hell for what you’ve done And I’d be glad to send you there, to the riggings with you till the morning sun!”
Well Radney, poor Radney met his end in the jaws of what he hunted In the whale’s teeth the men watched his shirt like a bloody banner wave And though the Town Ho sailed on, and no one shed a tear And the Lake Man was spared his murderous fate Still his memory stayed behind, Steelkilt was haunted till the end of his days