Steeltown (US) 4:38
Through a Big Country Boxed Set: Steeltown (Japan) 4:38
The Collection: 1982-1988 (UK) 4:38
Steeltown [remaster] (UK) 4:38

"Tall Ships Go"

I dreamed I heard that you were dead
I dreamed I searched an empty bed
For a sign of you
And the sea called hard to me
Like a cell without a key
And I felt the distance
I watched the tall ships go
With the drift wood on the flow
With pride that grows in hardship
And I knew you were below
I hear your voice
And it keeps me from sleeping
Why must it always be dreams
When your voice comes to me
I dreamed you felt the typhoon spit
And walked into the heart of it
While the sea gulls cry
I know how to feel that call
It never suited me at all
But some are born to it
And you seemed so bright and hard
Like a bloody edge of sword
But if you’re an enemy
Then you look a lot like me
I hear your voice
And it keeps me from sleeping
Why must it always be dreams
When your voice comes to me
I dreamed you sailed me to the swamp
In a black boat
You spoke to me of things
Of the shame that years will bring
And I felt your hand shake
Though you always seemed so hard
Now I never see the sword
And I find the enemy
Has to feel the same as me
I hear your voice
And it keeps me from sleeping
Why must it always be dreams
When your voice comes to me

Thanks to those who have assisted with lyrics transcription and/or correction: Jonathan Berkey, Michael Bickley, Todd Carrier, Tony Dennison, Mattias Engvall, Svein B. Hjorthaug, Kimberly Hynd, Jeff Cetola, Lewis Crow, Ian Ingham, Christian Jennings, Thomas Kercheval, John Lewis, Simon McKenzie, Allard Mosk, Eric Mossfeldt, Erle Mundle, Martin Powell, Brady Severns, Valeri Shaw, Jeroen Sprenkeler, Bas van Giesen, Michael Wallack and Greg Ziegler. Special thanks to Oliver Hunter.