The Dark and the Rolling Sea
Author: Al Stewart
 
Bm A D G Oh you slipped away from the harbour side
D A G Em In the morning bright and clear
Bm A D G And your sails were filled with the rising wind
D F# G Em And you laughed for all to hear
Bm ‑ A D But you never glanced at the ragged dance
G Em F#m A Of your lovers on the quai
Bm A D G Don't call on them when the winds rise high
D A G Em On the dark and the rolling sea.
Bm A D G Oh, you set your course for the furthest shores
D A G Em And you never once looked back
Bm A D G And the flag you flew was the pirate cross
D F# G Em On a field of velvet black.
Bm ‑ A D And those landsmen who you but lately knew
G Em F#m A Were left stranded on the lea
Bm A D G Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise
D A G Em On the dark and the rolling sea.
Bm A D G Oh I have no need of a chart or creed
D A G Em You told your waiting crew
Bm A D G For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight
D F# G Em And you spoke as though you knew.
Bm ‑ A D So you paid no mind to the warning signs
G Em F#m A As you gave your words so free
Bm A D G Don't change your tack when the timbers crack
D A G Em On the dark and and the rolling sea.
Bm A D G Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails
D A G Em And the stars desert the skies
Bm A D G And the rigging strains as the hands of rain
D F# G Em Reach down to wash your eyes.
Bm ‑ A D And your oarsman stands with his knife in hand
G Em F#m A And his eyes spell mutiny
Bm A D G Don't call my name when your ship goes down
D A G Em On the dark and the rolling sea.
Bm A G ‑
Bm A G ‑
D C Bm(addE)