The Albatross

It is an ancient mariner

Who stoppeth one of three

He killed the blessed albatross

When he was out to sea

And the guilt it hangs about his neck

The same as you and me

Poor old sailor

Who shot the gentle bird



I don't know why he shot him

The silly gooney duck

But if you shoot an albatross

You sure are out of luck

For forever, ever, after

It will hang around your neck

Poor old sailor

Who shot the gentle bird



I also wear the albatross

The bird of guilt I bear

I shafted my best buddy

In a moment of despair

And the guilt is always with me

In my dreams and everywhere

Poor old sailor

Who shot the gentle bird



Yet those that kill their thousands

With napalm in the street

They live a good respected life

And sleep an easy sleep

And they'd never shoot an albatross

It isn't good to eat

Poor old sailor

Who shot the gentle bird



So never kill a gooney bird

Or knife your loving kin

And never burn a single soul

Be sure it's more than ten

And never do a stick-up

But gouge the world of men

And leave bad dreams to sailors

Who kill the gentle bird