Standing on the deck, it seems the moon is turning brighter

After eight months out to sea, I think I’ve gone insane

On the 21st of May, our ship sailed from Nantucket

Cutting through still waters of the night

At six and thirty men, the Town Ho’s whaling out of sight

And we’ll never find our way

For our sins we cannot pay

Steelkilt lay low

What’s that pump stopped for

Damn your eyes said the mate, now you better turn to

Steelkilt lay low, break you backs now lads

Look away look away

Steelkilt lay low

For the Lake Man’s soul

Being flogged on the deck was more than he could bear

Steelkilt lay low

You’re haunted by old Radney’s Ghost, Radney’s Ghost

Ole Rad was dropped with a punch spouted blood just like a whale

And Steelkilt called for the Canallers ere the crew could take him down

Cried the Captain from the deck, “Ye pirates, ye cutthroats

You’re sure to burn in hell for what you’ve done

And I’d be glad to send you there, to the riggings with you till the morning sun!”

Well Radney, poor Radney met his end in the jaws of what he hunted

In the whale’s teeth the men watched his shirt like a bloody banner wave

And though the Town Ho sailed on, and no one shed a tear

And the Lake Man was spared his murderous fate

Still his memory stayed behind, Steelkilt was haunted till the end of his days