As I rolled into Frisco, boys, I went upon the street
I drank and gambled all night long, as drunk as I could be
I drank and gambled all night long, till I could drink no more
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more

[Chorus]
Once more, boys, once more
The Holy Ground once more
'Twas then I that thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more

I shipped on the Angeline, me boys, down for the Arctic Sea
Where its cold winds blow amid frost and snow
Was as cold as it could be
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow
The good old ship, she did roll

'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more

[Chorus]
Once more, boys, once more
The Holy Ground once more
'Twas then I that thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more
We weren't long in the Arctic Sea when we had spied a whale
With harpoon in my icy hands, to hit I dare not fail
With a harpoon in my icy hand, I shot but struck before

'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more

[Chorus]
Once more, boys, once more
The Holy Ground once more
'Twas then I that thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more

When you're aboard a whaling ship with storms and gales afore
Your mind is in some public house that lies upon the shore
Your mind is in some public house that lies upon the shore

'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more

[Chorus]
Once more, boys, once more
The Holy Ground once more
'Twas then I that thought that I'd like to be back
In the Holy Ground once more