Wan white mists upon the sea,East wind harping mournfullyAll the sunken reefs along,Wail and heart-break in its song,But adown the placid bayFisher-folk keep holiday.
All the deeps beyond the barCall and murmur from afar,'Plaining of a mighty woeWhere the great ships come and go,But adown the harbor grayFisher-folk keep holiday.
When the cloudy heavens frown,And the sweeping rain comes down,Boats at anchorage must bideIn despite of time or tide;Making merry as they mayFisher-folk keep holiday.
Now is time for jest and songAll the idle shore along,Now is time for wooing dear,Maidens cannot choose but hear;Daffing toil and care awayFisher-folk keep holiday.
Oh, the fretted reefs may wail,Every man has furled his sail!Oh, the wind may moan in fear,Every lad is with his dear!Mirth and laughter have their way,Fisher-folk keep holiday.
