I knows a town, an' it's a fine town
And many a brig goes sailin' to its quay;
I knows an inn, an' it's a fine inn
An' a lass that's fair to see
I knows a town, an' it's a fine town;
I knows an inn, an' it's a fine inn--
But Oh my lass, an' Oh the gay gown
Which I have seen my pretty in!

I knows a port, an' it's a good port
An' many a brig is ridin' easy there;
I knows a home, an' it's a good home
An' a lass that's sweet an' fair
I knows a port, an' it's a good port
I knows a home, an' it's a good home--
But Oh the pretty that is my sort
What's wearyin' till I come!

I knows a day, an' it's a fine day
The day a sailor man comes back to town;
I knows a tide, an' it's a good tide
The tide that gets you quick to anchors down
I knows a day, an' it's a fine day
I knows a tide, an' it's a good tide--
And God help the lubber, I say
What's stole the sailor man's bride!