The Swallow

A big tin box of books and writing paper
(A small aneroid barometer)
And other things that need to be kept dry
(Like nightclothes)
I won it as a prize at school
(Three biscuit tins with bread and tea and...)
Salt and bread, lots and lots of eggs
(Separately wrapped for fear of smashing)

A frying pan, a saucepan, and a kettle
(Lots of plates and spoons and forks and...)
Two ground sheets with tents wrapped up inside
(A seedcake)
A long coil of stout grass rope
(Two sacks stuffed with blankets and rye)
Tins of corned beef, tins of sardines
I think we have all that we need

Swallow
I don't know what I would do
Without you
There's barely a day that goes by
I don't picture you in my mind
And smile
Swallow

Swallow
I almost think you're alive
Sometimes
When I am lost and confused
You seem to know what to do
Don't you?
Swallow

Hoist up the mainsail
Haul in the anchor
Make fast the halyard
Let go the painter

It's time we put to sea
And set The Swallow free

Farewell, and adieu to you
Fair Spanish ladies
Adieu, and farewell to you
Ladies of Spain
For we're under orders to
Sail to Old England
And we'll never see all you
Ladies again

We'll rant and we'll roar just like
True British sailors
We'll range and we'll row over
All the saltseas
Until we strike soundings for
The English Channel
[UNCLEAR - Please, if anyone knows this line, add it!]
Thirty-five Leagues

Swallow
The wind blows fair in the East
Feel the breeze
Show them that you're the best boat
Ever to be set afloat
Show them
Swallow

Swallow
We'll follow you to the end
Of the world
And now that the wind's in your sails
We know that you'll never fail
Let's go
Swallow

Hoist up the mainsail
Haul in the anchor
Make fast the halyard
Let go the painter

It's time to put to sea
And set The Swallow free