Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
On a cold winter’s night, with storm at its height, the lifeboat answered the call
They pitched and they tossed till we thought they were lost, as we watched from the harbor wall
Though the night was pitch black, there was no turning back, for someone was waiting out there
But each volunteer had to live with his fear as the joined in a silent prayer
Chorus:
Home, home, home from the sea
Angels of mercy, answer our plea
And carry us home, home, home from the sea
Carry us safely home from the sea
As they battle their way past the mouth of the bay, it was blowing like never before
As they gallantly fought everyone of them thought of loved ones back on the shore
Then a flicker of light and they knew they were right, there she was, on the crest of a wave
“She’s an old fishing boat and she’s barely afloat. Please God there are souls we can save”.
Chorus
And back in the town, in a street that runs down to the sea and the harbor wall,
They gathered in pairs at the foot of the stairs to wait for the radio call
And just before dawn, when all hope was gone, came a hush and a far away sound
“Twas the coxswain—he roared—all survivors on board. Thank God and we’re homeward bound”
Chorus