I cover the waterfront, watchin' the ship go by
I could see, everyne's, baby, but I couldn't see mine

I cover the waterfront, watchin' the ship go by
I could see, they meetin' they loved ones
Shakin' hands, and laughin' and talkin'
With they loved ones
I couldn't see mine

I still cover the waterfront
My little girl, walked over to me
Said, "Oh, Johnny, you've been sitting here
So personally, and so long, coverin' this water front"

I looked around, and to her face
I said, "I'll be here, till my baby come down"
Well

And after a while, all the ships, left the harbor
And the little ones, went on they way, to they destination
I still sit there, coverin' the waterfront

And after a while, I looked down the ocean
As far as I could see
I saw a ship, in the fog
And headed, this way
It must be my baby comin' home to me
After a while, the ship reached the landin'
And my baby stepped of board
Said, "Johnny, we had trouble in the fog
That's why my ship is so late comin' home to you"

But I still cover the waterfront
Waitin', for you