The Pirates' Own Song

Hoist our flag to the mast, it's dark as the grave,
Or the death which we bear, as we sweep o'er the waves;
Have the decks cleared for action, the gun crews prepared,
The boarding-axe sharpened, the cutlasses bared.

Chorus
And it's down, down; sink them all down!

Have the great guns run out, then bring unto me,
For the last of me duties, the gun powder key;
I never will lower this black flag we bear;
If the sea be denied us, we'll fly through the air! (Chorus)

To share lies the plunder, from our last prey,
It's mine to divide; it's yours to obey;
I claim not a portion; I ask but for mine –
A toast to our prize – one cup of red wine! (Chorus)

Now some fights for riches; some fights for fame:
The first I despise; the last's but a name;
I fight for vengeance! I love to see flow,
At the stroke of me saber, the blood of me foe! (Chorus)

I strike for the memory of long-vanished years:
Of a fair maiden lost, of a family in tears;
I come in a flash, as lightning from above,
And chase o'er the waves to the battle I love! (Chorus)