he engineer’s a hardy man
Who toils amidst the smokeHe works with gas and diesel oilThat’d make an idol chokeHe works and slaves from break of dayTo make the engines runAnd when the rest are fast asleepHis toilsome day is done.When the waves are rolling highAnd the stormy seas go byThe engineer is down belowAnd smoke is in his eyeHis knuckles bruised with broken toolsWith wire and with cursesHe makes the engine spit and runAnd like a mother nursesRusted hunks of broken ironAnd shattered bits of steelThe engineer’s a handy manHis rust heap turns the wheelFor he’s the daddy of them allAnd while the boat’s afloatHe keeps her running day and nightAnd is the skipper’s goat.For many ships have sunk at seaWith engineers insideHe keeps his engine running trueFor that’s his simple pride(Cont.)