[Verse]
From Belfast town, I'm on me way,
On a ship that was built for the tourist trade,
I'll leave me friends and the land where I was born,
And I won't return till me fortune is made.

[Chorus]
For I've served my time with the Island Men,
And I've know good times and work a plenty,
But there's no work now in these troubled times,
And the shipyard slips are lying empty.

[Verse]
Farewell me father and me mother fair,
Old age has laid it's hand all on you,
You loved me well and you never failed,
And it's leaving your side me heard will rue.

I promise to write when I've settled down,
To ease your mind for I know you'll worry,
But think of the time when I return,
But don't count the days for time won't hurry

[Chorus]
And I've served my time with the Island Men,
And I've know good times and work a plenty,
But there's no work now in these troubled times,
And the shipyard slips are lying empty.

[Verse]
I'll remember the mountains and the fresh north air,
I'll remember the girls with their friendly smile,
I'll think of the city and the friends I have there,
And hope that my love transcends a mile.

And I'm going away to look for work,
But I'll live for the day of my return,
Into a job at home and peace of mind,
For the Belfast people, I'll always be earning.

[Chorus]
And I've served my time with the Island Men,
And I've know good times and work a plenty,
But there's no work now in these troubled times,
And the shipyard slips are lying empty.