Mighty little doin’ — yet a lot to do —
While the navy's standin’ guard, we are lookin’ out;
Patrol boats in shoals, good old craft and new
Hustle here and skitter there — what's it all about?
Speed boats and slow boats
Loaf around or run,
But ev'ry unit of this fleet
Mounts a wicked gun!
Pleasure craft a-plenty, all dolled up in gray
Grim and ugly war-paint dress, we're a gloomy lot,
Slidin’ in and out, never in the way.
Gosh! It's wearin’ on the nerves, waitin’ round — for what?
Some boats are bum boats,
Layin’ for the Hun —
But ev'ry boat that flies our Flag
Mounts a wicked gun!
Stickin’ for the Big Show! Will it ever start?
When it does, Good night, Irene! We wo n't make a squeak.
“Boy Scouts of the Sea,” watch us do our part
If a raider or a sub. gives us just a peek!
Tin boats and wood boats —
Ev'ry single one
Longs to get in action with
Its wicked little gun!