run me gently
roll me on
carry me safe till my journey’s done

by tilt boat and lighter, by trireme and flat
by onkers and eel boat, by collier and yacht
by shallop and cutter and carpenter’s cock
from Shadwell Stairs to Teddington Lock

run me gently
roll me on
carry me safe till my journey’s done

by stumpie and cutter, by longboat and ferry
by clinkers and culler, by schooner and wherry
by dhow and crayer and coracle and barque
from Gallion’s Point to Ransome’s Dock

run me gently
roll me on
carry me safe till my journey’s done

by flunes and funnies, by gigs and whiffs
by randan and dinghy, by scullers and skiffs
by barge and jetski and punt and cog
from The Isle of Sheppey to The Isle of Dogs

run me gently
roll me on
carry me safe till my journey’s done