Lyrics
Well, he stood before the ocean in the middle of the night
Because he loved her so, he asked her to be his wife
And he closed his eyes and waited
And he listened for an answer
Until she kissed his feet and whispered
"I could not give you my hand, sir"
Then as she walked him all along the shore
She said, "You're far too young to marry me
For I am old as old can be
And I've been wed with many men
But for all my loves, I've far outlived them all"
So he went to her the next night all merryed up with wine
And he asked for her long blue hand to hold with his entwined
Once again he waited and listened for a while
Until he heard her voice that came crashing in the waves
That broke all around for miles and miles and miles
She said, "How could I place my trust in thee?
For I am bound and you are free
So many men have took my hand
So many men have left me for the land
There were fishermen, whalers, seamen and sailors
And for each star above me, ten more have loved me
How could it be any different?
How could it be any different with you?"
So when it was quiet on the third night
He said, "My life is in your hands
You can keep me for the time I have
Or I'll lie here on the sand"
It was quiet on the third night as he took off his shoes
But as he walked into her arms, she said
"Sure, what have I to lose?
What have I to lose?
What have I?
What have I to lose?"