A little boat breaks through the mist
See in the darkest night the black flag is hissed
A man is standing on the bow (I stop my breath)
I'm not ready for my way into the realm of death

The ferryman sings a mournful song
I have to shut my eyes as we are sliding along
We are close to the shore (it's time for his fee)
Two on my eyes, one in my mouth counts three

Ferryman, oh, ferryman, I cannot pay your price
Ferryman, oh, ferryman, give me more time, and I’ll pay you twice
Ferryman, oh, ferryman, I cannot pay your price
Ferryman, oh, ferryman, I'm not ready for paradise

Then he opens up his hand
I'm a poor old sailor, why can’t he understand
Suddenly he pulls away (he pulls away)
We’re leaving the shore into the darkness he navigates

I don’t have no gold, but I'm a hardworking man
I’d prefer to take your job as the ferryman