TRADIN' SHIP
Oh, we're settin' off from Solitude for Anvil come the dawn,
So tonight we're drinkin' heavy, makin' merry, carryin' on,
'Cause once we're on the water cleavin' waves with our ship's keel,
It'll be so long 'fore we return, we might forget home's feel,
*'Cause a tradin' ship at a blazin' clip's still got a ways to go
No matter how well 'round Tamriel we go as salt winds blow.
But by fell threat or pressin' debt or lust for life at sea,
We haul and roll to mark time's toll 'twixt times of revelry!*
What we haul's but a mystery 'fore Cap'n spills the beans,
But in our time, we've hauled fine furs 'n silks with velvet sheens,
Precious ores 'n ingots from the deep on miners' backs,
Wines 'n meads 'n grains 'n seeds 'n pots waxed with shellacs.
*'Cause a tradin' ship at a blazin' clip's still got a ways to go
No matter how well 'round Tamriel we go as salt winds blow.
But by fell threat or pressin' debt or lust for life at sea,
We haul and roll to mark time's toll 'twixt times of revelry!*
Ain't all smooth sailin', truth be told. This job needs grit and spine
With men and Mother Nature both developin' ill designs.
Be it roarin' gales, or toothy shores, or pirates on the prowl,
With luck, our steel and smarts might keep our fates from turnin' foul.
*'Cause a tradin' ship at a blazin' clip's still got a ways to go
No matter how well 'round Tamriel we go as salt winds blow.
But by fell threat or pressin' debt or lust for life at sea,
We haul and roll to mark time's toll 'twixt times of revelry!*
No, we don't grow rich or sober, nor too wise or sane or bold,
But by Gods' graces just perhaps at least we might grow old.
Yes, after all else said and done, we think that's fair to ask,
And if allowed, we'll toast their names by frothing mug 'n flask!
*'Cause a tradin' ship at a blazin' clip's still got a ways to go
No matter how well 'round Tamriel we go as salt winds blow.
But by fell threat or pressin' debt or lust for life at sea,
We haul and roll to mark time's toll 'twixt times of revelry!*