Went to see the captain, strangest I could find   Laid my proposition down, laid it on the line   I won't slave for beggar's pay, likewise gold and jewels   But I would slave to learn the way to sink your ship of fools      Ship of fools on a cruel sea   Ship of fools sail away from me   It was later than I thought when I first believed you   Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools      Saw your first ship sink and drown, from rockin' of the boat   And all that could not sink or swim was just left there to float   I won't leave you drifting down, but woh it makes me wild   With thirty years upon my head to have you call me child      Ship of fools on a cruel sea   Ship of fools sail away from me   It was later than I thought when I first believed you   Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools      The bottles stand as empty, as they were filled before   Time there was and plenty, but from that cup no more   Though I could not caution all, I still might warn a few   Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools      Ship of fools on a cruel sea   Ship of fools sail away from me   It was later than I thought, when I first believed you   Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools   It was later than I thought when I first believed you   Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools