The Dark And The Rolling Sea
View chords used in this chart
Am G C F
Oh you slipped away from the harbour side
C G F Dm
In the morning bright and clear
Am G C F
And your sails were filled with the rising wind
C E F Dm
And you laughed for all to hear
Am G C
But you never glanced at the ragged dance
F Dm Em G
Of your lovers on the quai
Am G C F
Don't call on them when the winds rise high
C G F Dm
On the dark and the rolling sea.
Am G C F
You set your course for the furthest shores
C G F Dm
And you never once looked back
Am G C F
And the flag you flew was the pirate cross
C E F Dm
On a field of velvet black.
Am G C
And those landsmen who you but lately knew
F Dm Em G
Were left stranded on the lea
Am G C F
Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise
C G F Dm
On the dark and the rolling sea.
Am G C F
Oh I have no need of a chart or creed
C G F Dm
You told your waiting crew
Am G C F
For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight
C E F Dm
And you spoke as though you knew.
Am G C
So you paid no mind to the warning signs
F Dm Em G
As you gave your words so free
Am G C F
Don't change your tack when the timbers crack
C G F Dm
On the dark and and the rolling sea.
Am G C F
Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails
C G F Dm
And the stars desert the skies
Am G C F
And the rigging strains as the hands of rain
C E F Dm
Reach down to wash your eyes.
Am G C
And your oarsman stands with his knife in hand
F Dm Em G
And his eyes spell mutiny
Am G C F
Don't call my name when your ship goes down
C G F Dm Am G Am
On the dark and the rolling sea.
How to play The Dark And The Rolling Sea
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Am. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.