Went to see the captain, strangest I could find,
Laid my proposition down, laid it on the line
I won't slave for beggar's pay, likewise gold and jewels,
But I would slave to learn the way to sink your ship of fools

Ship of fools on a cruel sea, ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought when I first believed you,
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools

Saw your first ship sink and drown, from rockin' of the boat,
And all that could not sink or swim was just left there to float
I won't leave you drifting down, but woh it makes me wild,
With thirty years upon my head to have you call me child

Ship of fools on a cruel sea, ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought when I first believed you,
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools

The bottles stand as empty, as they were filled before
Time there was and plenty, but from that cup no more
Though I could not caution all, I still might warn a few:
Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools

Ship of fools on a cruel sea, ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought, when I first believed you,
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools

It was later than I thought when I first believed you,
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools