In a little while from now
this boat, not a garbage scow
it promised myself to treat myself
to a storm of too much power.
I climb up to the top
of the bridge, but something's off.
In an effort to
save all, me and you
I say, "Captain, watch the waves break."
Left standing on the deck
could be wrecked, it's tattletaling
the wind in wires, speed gets higher.
The ship could soon be failing.
We should have not gone on
into this Great Lake zone.
The ship will sink
naturally.

To think that only yesterday
I was cheerful, bright and gay.
Looking forward, man
to drop in Cleveland
and back to Detroit with our pay.
But as if to knock me down
a big wave came around
and without so much
as a mere touch
broke our freighter into pieces.
Leaving them to doubt
talk about God in His mercy.
For in the Detroit church they ask,
"Why did Thy waves hurt we?"
And in their hour of need
Superior struck, indeed.
The ship, it sank
naturally.

It seems to me that there are more folks
boating in the world
who now remember
Gales of November.
But did we do?
No, did not do.

(instrumental break)

The ship, it sank
naturally.

And looking back over the years
each time that song appears
I remember how I cried for twenty-nine died
never wishing to hide the tears.
And at 72 years old
Gordon Lightfoot, bless his soul
he can't understand
why these many men
such liberties, they have taken
leaving him to start
pour his heart out at each concert.
There's no encouragement from him
for any of these diverts.
But still we come to play
re-write these tunes all day!
His song again
parody!

His song again!
Parody!