"The Ship That Never Returned" (29 Sep 1865)
No. 32
Song and Chorus.
Words and Music by Henry Clay Work.

Chicago, IL: Root & Cady
Plate No. 497-4
[Source: 183/072@Levy]

1.
On a summer's day, when the wave was rippled
By the softest gentlest breeze,
Did a ship not sail, with a cargo laden
For a port beyond the seas;
There were sweet farewells -- there were loving signals,
While a form was yet discern'd;
Though they know it not, 'twas a solemn parting,
For the ship -- she never return'd.

CHORUS [sung after each verse]
Did she never return? She never return'd --
Her fate it is yet unlearn'd;
Tho' for years and years there were fond ones watching,
Yet the ship -- she never return'd.

2.
Said a feeble lad to his anxious mother,
"I must cross the wide, wide sea;
For they say, perchance in a foreign climate
There is health and strength for me."
'Twas a gleam of hope in a maze of danger,
And her heart for her youngest yearn'd;
Yet she sent him forth with a smile and blessing
On the ship that never return'd.

3.
"Only one more trip," said a gallant seaman,
As he kiss'd his weeping wife;
Only one more bag of the golden treasure,
And 'twill last us all through life.
Then I'll spend my days in my cozy cottage,
And enjoy the rest I've earn'd;
But alas, poor man! for he sailed commander
Of the ship that never return'd.