The Mighty Bones

He was born before the sun,
but younger than the moon
Sailed his beloved skiff fishing line harpoon
His bonny boat was barren as he journeyed far from shore
His fruitless days were counted and they numbered eighty four
Santiago bid his charge farewell and set his skiff a course
The tempest held his boat aloft the squall blew up a force
He hooked the mighty marlin and he ran before the wind
Battled day and battled night afore her blessed fin
Rise up Fishermen rise and smell the sea
Cast your nets upon the waves set your spirit free Set it free
Three moonless nights she harried a hundred leagues from shore Exhausted and
delirious till she could fight no more
His beloved catch he bound and tied and set his course for home
Sea vultures split the morning waves and circled in the foam
Rise up Fishermen rise and smell the sea
Cast your nets upon the waves set your spirit free Set it free
They feasted on her as he slept until but bones remained
Santiago woke from slumber his sorrow unrestrained
He pulled his skiff ashore the village gathered man and son
And gazed upon the withered catch upon the mighty bones
Rise up Fishermen rise and smell the sea
Cast your nets upon the waves set your spirit free
Rise up Fishermen rise and smell the sea
Gaze upon the mighty bones set your spirit free
Set it free