Once upon a ragtime
in a stout house by the sea
sat a bold and carefree woman
with her one child on her knee
The kettle on the belly
brackish sand was in her hair
washing in the window
tanner in the lair
A mighty cloud was thickening
sou' easter off the coast
if Papa ain't got anchor
the old dog's sure be toast
So sitting ain't done easy
all thinkin what's gone wrong
my child and I will whisper
and sing a dreamy song
Till sun up brings the tidings
and someone from the sea
his rattling chains and sardines
are home and home to me