Chain the Drums

[Intro] [Chorus] Hold that ramp, keep the drums from the tide Hands on the chain while the black clouds ride You say, “cast off, we’ll be gone before night” But i won’t leave this quay with the load tied tight [Verse 1] The winch tooth caught where the landing met stone Two fuel drums swayed on the ramp’s steel bone The coxswain shouted, “we’re losing the light” I wedged my boot in and leaned with my might [Chorus] Hold that ramp, keep the drums from the tide Hands on the chain while the black clouds ride You say, “cast off, we’ll be gone before night” But i won’t leave this quay with the load tied tight [Verse 2] Rain struck the quay like handfuls of grit The crew kept clear while i worked at the bit “Leave it,” you called, “we can sail in the gale” I hauled the pin free; the whole gear turned pale [Guitar solo] [Chorus] Hold that ramp, keep the drums from the tide Hands on the chain while the black clouds ride You say, “cast off, we’ll be gone before night” Now roll her aboard—we can still make it right [Outro] The drums crossed the ramp as the squall broke wide We shoved from the quay with the harbor astern You watched the dark water; i held the line And the lamp found the channel in time