Hanno The Navigator

It's a good day
For going to sea
Hanno the Navigator said to me
There's an open sky and a steady breeze
Out beyond the Pillars of Hercules
Above the foam-kissed waves seagulls scream
Up in the masts of our trireme
And it's a good day
For going to sea
Hanno the Navigator said to me

Water
Water
From horizon to horizon
All I see is water

Steer beyond all maps and charts
Down along the coast of Africa
The first Phoenicians on this beach
Where the monkeys gibber and the parakeets screech
Strangest women run wild down there
Covered head to toe in fur and hair
They fight like demons
Better let them be
Hanno the Navigator said to me

Water
Water
From horizon to horizon
All I see is water

When you pull close to your fire at night
With your family framed in the candlelight
Safe inside these walls of stone
In the only village you've ever known

The rain-soaked moon plays splintered crystal
Shadows on your windowsill
Like sparks of light in the shifting skies
Our ancient ships go sailing still on

Water
Water
When my sailing days are done
I'll seek Poseidon's daughter

Oarsmen pull and curse and sweat
Underneath this creaking deck
At night I hear their stories told
Strong through storms and weak for gold
Carthage stands like an azure pearl
Here in the middle of the known world
And it's a good day
For going to sea
Hanno the Navigator said to me

Water
Water
From horizon to horizon
All I see is water
Water
Water
When my sailing days are done
I'll seek Poseidon's daughter

It's a good day
For going to sea
Hanno the Navigator said to me