Pearls Before Swine
Riegal
First I will describe the scene to you
Do you have it right?
In 1944 the Riegal she went down
She went down with 4,000 prisoners
Asleep on board

Well now do you
I want to know if you
Have it right, is it like
The borders of a dream
Have taken you inside?

The Riegel was a mighty ship
4,000 prisoners strong
The Captain he was gallant
Or perhaps he was a prisoner, too
Who's to know for sure who's who?

One night it was very late
The Riegel tore its side
4,000 prisoners and the Captain
They were trapped inside

Has there been any news?
I feel so out of place
The Captain's always busy
Being in a state of grace
But what I want to know is:
Are you listening out there?

The crew they were a sorry lot
Blinded by their blood
The Captain he whispered orders
You could not hear him above the flood
Then somebody said, "the ocean's here,"
But someone said "No, there's more"
And the last thing I remember
Is a broken hand clinging to the Captain's door

Has there been any news?
I feel so out of place
The Captain's always busy
Being in a state of grace
But what I want to know is
Anybody listening?
Is anybody listening?
Is anybody listening?