The Tasman sea is a treacherous maid,
She sweeps with a heaving sigh!
Old sea dogs shake as their keels are swayed
By her cleansing salted spray!
All the captains sent her way,
Be advised to grow wings and fly!
Take heed, take heed, of this treacherous maid
And teach yourself to fly!

By day she swells as she washes the decks
Of the merchants passing by!
She will catch the sailors, scrub their necks,
Clean sails on their washing line,
Till the whole ship starts to shine,
As they voyage beneath blue sky!
Stand clear, stand clear, as she washes the decks
Unless you want to shine!

By night she pounds upon the mighty hull,
Till barnacles are knocked clear!
Her undercurrents will push and pull
And polish the outer skin!
With the whole ship looking trim,
She waves them off with a lonely tear!
Away, away, sails the sea-swept mighty hull,
As she waves them with a tear!