Ship Of Fools
The Grateful DeadI went to see the captain, strangest I could find
Laid my proposition down, I laid it on the line
I won't slave for beggar's pay, nor likewise gold and jewels
But I would slave to learn the way to sink your ship of fools
Ship of fools on a cruel sea
Ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought
When I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter
Ship of fools...
Saw your first ship sink and drown from rocking of the boat
And all that could not sink nor swim was just left there to float
I won't leave you driftin' there, but oh it makes me wild
With thirty years upon my head to have you call me child
Ship of fools on a cruel sea
Ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought
When I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter
Ship of fools...
The bottles stand as empty, as they were filled before
Time there was, and plenty, but from that cup, no more
Though I could not caution all, I still might warn a few
Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools
Ship of fools on a cruel sea
Ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought
When I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter
Ship of fools...
It was later than I thought
When I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter
Ship of fools...
Copyright 1973 Ice Nine Publishing, Inc.
By Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia
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