one-hundred-ninety-four: “black captain” by bonnie prince billy.
Ever see someone do so well
That none could ever stop him
Commanding o’er the hardest swell
With no force or fault to top himWell, under all and every word
Is hidden a woman or man
Who lights and inspires some higher desires
And allows him to do what he canWhat power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain goI was his true and he bade my fortune
And he leapt from on top of my shoulder
He could lead pure when my worship was sure
And many times even step bolderHe loved me and needed, saw trouble and greeted
For trouble is best met head on
What seems so distinguished became plainly vanquished
When I left to find life on my ownWhat power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain goNow men laugh at him and say
That better men number in thousands
Nobody ever goes out of his way
To lessen his clowns as they crowd himAnd I am nearby and I watch with a sigh
As my captain curls up like a cripple
And hope that he goes where nobody knows
Under sea and leaves not a rippleWhat power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go