Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me
Cruel was the pressgang, that took him off to sea
Cruel was the little boat, that rowed him off to the strand
And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land

Haul away boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away

Cruel was the water, that ship it sailed on
Cruel was the fair wind, for now my love, he is gone
Had you blown a roaring gale, they'd have left him on dry land
Where he would walk beside me and I would hold his hand

Haul away boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away

The ring beneath my pillow, is the ring he gave to me
I'll wear it on my finger, for all the world to see
But cruel was the captain, the bo'sun and the men
For they didn't care a farthing if I saw my love again

Haul away boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away

Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me
Cruel was the pressgang, that took him off to sea
Cruel was the little boat, that rowed him off to the strand
And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land

Haul away boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away
Haul away boys, haul away