[Verse 1] Went to see the captain, strangest I could find Laid my proposition down, laid it on the line I won't slave for beggar's pay, likewise gold and jewels But I would slave to learn the way to sink your ship of fools [Chorus] Ship of fools on a cruel sea Ship of fools sail away from me It was later than I thought when I first believed you Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools [Verse 2] Saw your first ship sink and drown, from rocking of the boat And all that could not sink or swim was just left there to float I won't leave you drifting down but whoa it makes me wild With thirty years upon my head To have you call me child [Chorus] Ship of fools on a cruel sea Ship of fools sail away from me It was later than I thought when I first believed you Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools [Verse 3] The bottles stand as empty As they were filled before Time there was and plenty But from that cup no more Though I could not caution all I still might warn a few Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools [Chorus] Ship of fools on a cruel sea Ship of fools sail away from me It was later than I thought when I first believed you Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools [Outro] It was later than I thought when I first believed you Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools