We all laugh and tell old stories, just sittin' in the dark
And not one of them knows that when we land I'll disembark
We've spent so much time together, out prowling on the sea
That somehow this strange group of men became a family

We started out no more than boys with more guts than brains
Doing what they said could not be done, they thought we were insane
One by one they wandered to their bunks ready for another day
And I'm left alone here with the stars where they can't hear me say:

Thank you, lads, for all you are, and all you've been to me
Thank you for the laughter and for all the memories
Thank you, for being there, through the good times and the bad
And Thank you for being the best mates I've ever had!

We have seen success and we've watched our fortunes grow
And We have shared more happy times than many men will know
We were all there together when each of us found a wife
And we proudly watched the children grow and have a happy life!

And We have shared great tragedy that none should bear alone
And with every loss and heartache, our brotherhood has grown
I'm not the first to leave, it's true, some have gone before
I know without me the crew will reinvent once more

Thank you, lads, for all you are, and all you've been to me
Thank you for the laughter and for all the memories
Thank you, for being there, through the good times and the bad
And Thank you for being the best mates I've ever had!
With that the coughing starts again, the crimson hard to hide
I'm sorry my brothers, hope you never know I lied
But this one won't get better, lads, and I know it's true
So I choose to walk away before I burden you

I will say the time is right for me to go my way
And I know you'll understand, or at least that's what you'll say
I will wish you luck and watch you sail upon the sea
For the first time in forever, I will just be me...

Thank you, lads, for all you are, and all you've been to me
Thank you for the laughter and for all the memories
Thank you, for being there, through the good times and the bad
And Thank you for being the best mates I've ever had!

Thank you, lads, for all you are, and all you've been to me
Thank you for the laughter and for all the memories
Thank you, for being there, through the good times and the bad
And Thank you for being the best mates I've ever had!

Thank you for being the best mates I've ever had...