I wish I were the Captain aboard the Man O War
     (Way hey aboard the Man O War)
     Cause if I were the Captain aboard the Man O War
     I'd have ladies in me cabin or I'd never leave the shore

Chorus:
     Hard work brave boys, hard work I say
     way haul away aboard the Man O War

     I wish I were the first mate aboard the Man O War
     (Way hey aboard the Man O War)
     Cause if I were the first mate aboard the Man O War
     I'd order all the sailors 'bout and never work no more

Chorus:

     I wish I were the cook then aboard the Man O War
     (Way hey aboard the Man O War)
     Cause if I were the cook I'd drink the gin upon the shelf
     I'd keep the finest meat and food would keep it all me self

Chorus:

     I wish I were the Boatswain aboard the Man O War
     (Way hey aboard the Man O War)
     Cause if I were the boatswain out on the ragin' sea
     I wouldn't get the sailors up 'til quarter after three

Chorus:

     But we are only sailors aboard the Man O War
     (Way hey aboard the Man O War)
     with out a captain and a crew when rounding the horn
     we'd cast ourselves upon the deck and moan so forlorn