The Final Trawl

Archie Fisher

Now it's three long years since we made her pay
Haul away, me laddie-o
And the owners say that she's had her day
Sing haul away, me laddie-o

So it's heave away for the final trawl
It's an easy pull, for the catch is small

Now it’s stow your gear, lads, and batten down
And I'll take the wheel, lads, and turn her round

And we'll join "The Venture" and "The Morning Star"
Riding high and empty towards the bar
For I'd rather beach her on the skerry rock
Than to see her torched in the breakers Docklands

And when I die, you can stow me down
In her rusty hold, where the breakers sound

Then I'll make the haven of Fiddler's Green
Where the grub is good and the bunks are clean

For I've fished a lifetime, boy and man
And the final trawl scarcely nets a cran

So it's heave away for the final trawl
It's an easy pull, for the catch is small