Jean Louis Dominic Pierre Bouchon
True to the breed that bore him
Answered the call that held in thrall
His father's heart before him

Jean Louis Dominic sailed away
Further than love could find him
Yet in the night he heard a light
And gentle voice behind him say

'Matelot, Matelot
Where you go, my heart goes with you
Matelot, Matelot
When you go down to the sea
For a year and a day
You may sail away

And have no thought of me
Yet through the wind and the spray
You will hear me say
"No love was ever free"
You will sigh when horizons appear
"Something that is dear
To me cannot let me be"

Matelot, Matelot
Where you go
My heart goes with you
Matelot, Matelot
When you go down to the sea

Jean Louis Dominic Pierre Bouchon
Traveled the wide world over
Lips that he kissed
Could not resist
This loving, roving rover

Jean Louis Dominic, right or wrong
Ever pursued a new love
'Til in his brain
He heart a strain
He knew to be his true love
Song

'Matelot, Matelot
Where you go, my heart will follow
Matelot, Matelot
When you go down to the sea
When there's grief in the sky

And the waves fly by
My heart to yours will say
"You can be sure that I'm true
To my love for you
Though half a world away"
Never mind if you find
Other charms

Here within my arms
You'll sleep
Sailor from the deep
Matelot, Matelot
Where you go, my heart will follow
Matelot, Matelot
When you go down to the sea