[Verse 1: Kate Rusby]
Cruel were my parents to tear my love from me
Cruel was the pressgang that took him off to sea
Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand
And cruel was the big ship that took him from the land

[Chorus: Kate Rusby]
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away

[Verse 2: Darlingside]
Cruel was the water, that ship it sailed upon
Cruel was the fair wind, for now my love she's gone
Had you blown a roaring gale they'd have left me on dry land
Where she would walk beside me and I would hold her hand

[Chorus: Kate Rusby & Darlingside]
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3: Kate Rusby]
The ring beneath my pillow is the ring he gave to me
I'll wear it on my finger for all the world to see
Cruel was the captain, the bo'sun and the men
For they didn't care a farthing if I saw my love again
[Verse 1: Kate Rusby & Darlingside]
Cruel were my parents to tear my love from me
Cruel was the pressgang that took him off to sea
Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand
And cruel was the big ship that took him from the land

[Chorus: Kate Rusby & Darlingside]
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away