Cruel was my parents that took my love from me
Cruel was them men that come and drug him off to sea
Cruel was that little blue boat that took him from the sand, Lord
And cruel was that great big ship that took him far from land
Cruel was the water; it lay so flat and still
Cruel was the wind that blowed; it never raised a rill
If it had blown a galeing wind they'd a-left him on dry land, Lord
And I'd be a-walkin' by him; and holdin' to his hand
Now haul away boys. Now haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away
The ring beneath my pillow, it's the one he gave to me
I'll wear it on my finger now for all the world to see
Cruel was that captain, my parents, and them men
They never cared a nickel if I see my love again
