Tomorrow’s First Ship

The morning bells rang through the bay,
As crowds came down at break of day.
Along the docks the banners flew,
Above a hull of oak made new.

No weapons lined her wooden side,
No guns would thunder with the tide.
Her decks were built for distant shores,
For open seas and foreign doors.

The ropes were drawn, the sails were high,
Their canvas rising to the sky.
And every soul along the shore
Looked out toward what lay before.

Sail on, sail on, tomorrow’s first ship,
Carry our hopes where the blue waters dip.
Over the waves, the waters gleam,
Follow the wind, follow the dream.

Sail on, sail on, let every bell ring,
Far beyond winter, far into spring.
Raise every sail and watch her fly,
Tomorrow is waiting beyond the blue sky.

The smiths who forged the swords of old
Now shaped her anchors, strong and bold.
The hands that once repaired a shield
Had carved the stars her mast revealed.

The merchants brought their finest ware,
The children flowers bright and fair.
Old soldiers stood beside the tide,
And watched her leave with quiet pride.

No trumpet called the sons away,
No tears were shed along the bay.
The harbor bells rang clear and free,
To send them toward the open sea.

Sail on, sail on, tomorrow’s first ship,
Carry our hopes where the blue waters dip.
Over the waves, the waters gleam,
Follow the wind, follow the dream.

Sail on, sail on, let every bell ring,
Far beyond winter, far into spring.
Raise every sail and watch her fly,
Tomorrow is waiting beyond the blue sky.

We learned the weight of sword and crown,
We watched the tallest banners drown.
We crossed through fire, storm and flame,
And gave our sorrow one last name.

But timber grows where ashes lay,
And roads once closed can open way.
So let the old songs guard the past -
The sea is calling us at last.

Sail on, sail on, tomorrow’s first ship,
Carry our hopes where the blue waters dip.
Over the waves, the waters gleam,
Follow the wind, follow the dream.

Sail on, sail on, let every bell ring,
Let every harbor hear us sing.
Raise every sail, let the old shoreline fall,
Tomorrow is waiting -
Tomorrow calls!

The bells grew faint across the foam,
The ship sailed on beyond her home.
No final war, no last goodbye -

Just open sea...

And open sky.