I'm thinkin' back when I was a sailor
I spent my time on open seas
When we'd stay off the coast of Jamaica
I'd secretly steal ashore
The natives were waitin' for
The boy with the lazy soul
To sing with the sailor

Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away
Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away
Every evening, I'd be gone
Back on board by break of dawn

I'm thinkin' 'bout the nights in Jamaica
Pretty girls dancin' here and there
Stole a keg and I'm drunk as a sailor
The captain he don't know
Where Billy, down goes
But I'm singin' with native girls
Songs of a sailor, song of a sailor

Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away
Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away
Every sailor sail away
You better be back on board by break of day

Oh, hold on, be there, oh, hold on away
Oh, hold on, be there, oh, hold on away
Oh, hold on, be there, oh, hold on away
Oh, hold on, be there, oh, hold on away

Every night in Jamaica, I'd sing with the lady
And drink with the men till the morning appear
Healthy sunshine is fresh on my face
The songs of the night puts the ring in my ear

Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away
Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away
Every sailor sail away
You better be back on board by break of dawn

Vahevala, homeward sail away
Vahevala, homeward sailor
Vahevala, homeward sail away