Once A Boat Has Broken From The Shore

Once a boat has broken from the shore
You cannot hold her anymore;
Drag her back with lines so strong
You'll find they won't hold her very long
Once a boat has broken from the shore

Once she's felt the swelling of her sail
Be it from a gust or a gale
Try to lure her close to shore
You'll find you can't steer her anymore
Once she's felt the swelling of her sail

You cannot frighten her
With threats of flood or fire
You'll never bury her
You'll never buy her
Once a boat has broken from the shore

She'll find the sea has chains of its own
And they'll pull at her in ways she's never known;
But if the stars she follows are bright enough
They'll light her way when the waves get rough
Reminding her she's really not alone

As her sails are torn and reefs rip at her sides
She'll learn to carefully choose which waves she rides;
Where she's bound, she cannot say
But at least she's on her way
And the course she'll follow she alone decides

You cannot frighten her
With threats of flood or fire
You'll never bury her
You'll never buy her
Once a boat has broken from the shore