When I was a younger man I ran away to sea
For awhile I scrubbed the decks for whiskey and a fee
Now and then I go to see my lass in Kilkenny
But then the ocean's calling 'it's a pirate's life for me'
Salute! Jolly roger
Fly! Jolly roger
Sing! Jolly roger
It's the banner of the sea
Salute! Jolly roger
Fly! jolly roger
Sing! jolly roger
It's the only flag for me
On Samhain we light a candle to the shores of home
Listen to the voices of those who walk alone
All Saints' Day we tap the kegs and drink up all the while
To celebrate the ones we miss back on the Emerald Isle
Salute! Jolly roger
Fly! Jolly roger
Sing! Jolly roger
It's the banner of the sea
Salute! Jolly roger
Your! Jolly roger
My! Jolly roger
It's the only flag for me
I've been to places near and far from sea to shining sea
Down where all the stars are strange, adventure waits for me
Counting all the bounty, we pillage and we steal
Never had to rob an Irishman and hope I never will
Salute! Jolly roger
Fly! Jolly roger
Sing! Jolly roger
It's the banner of the sea
Salute! Jolly roger
Drink! Jolly roger
Your! Jolly roger
It's the only flag for me
Salute! Jolly roger
Hey! Jolly roger
Drink! Jolly roger
It's the banner of the sea
Salute! Jolly roger
Your! Jolly roger
My! Jolly roger
It's the only flag for me