[Verse 1]
It's not down by the wharf they look for Jesus
Down the crooked streets on the misty nights
Where the dockmen defy the fate of photographs
By looking old before their time
And it's not in the lonesome home that friends are found
That's how the streets can lay their claims
With that scratchy voice so rough and rude
That takes your smile but leaves your pain
[Chorus]
It's not in the crystal ball that dreams are made
Not in the stars that shine the way
Not in the rainbow but in the rain
Not in the cards but in the gamе
[Verse 2]
There's not any heavеn for sovereign fools
Who squander gifts upon themselves
For riches aren't always in the golden rule
And gold ain't worth its weight in hell
So don't blame the fool for your trust in him
And don't blame the rules you must play to win
And don't blame the poet for his bitter words
And don't blame the harlot for her sins
[Chorus]
It's not in the crystal ball that dreams are made
Not in the stars that shine the way
Not in the rainbow but in the rain
Not in the cards but in the game
[Verse 3]
It's not in the mountains that those ships come in
'Cept in times of flooding rain
And it's not in your eyes that I look for love
For I've learned that much from my pain
But here I stand before you, love
Seeking refuge within your wings
Not in the arrow but in the feather that makes it fly
Not in the answer to the question why
[Chorus]
It's not in the crystal ball that dreams are made
Not in the stars that shine the way
Not in the rainbow but in the rain
Not in the cards but in the game
[Outro]
It's not down by the wharf they look for Jesus
And yet they find him just the same
The Wharf Song was written by Jack Hardy.