Here’s to Bart

Verse 1

Bart comes through the centre door,
Leaves his working day offshore.
Polish heart and easy grin,
Pull a chair up, settle in.
Kettle’s on, the tea is poured,
Tell us how you’ve been on board.
One good joke and off we go,
Laughing with a friend we know.

Chorus

Here’s to Bart and time ashore,
There’s a place for you once more.
Raise a cup and stay a while,
Bring your stories, bring your smile.
Let the evening drift along,
You’re among your friends, you belong.

Verse 2

CGas Leapord rides the tide,
With our second engineer inside.
Keeping watch and working late,
Till the call to pass the gate.
Here the hours can slow right down,
Take a little time in town.
Bartholomew, the day is through,
There’s no rush—we’ve room for you.

Chorus

Here’s to Bart and time ashore,
There’s a place for you once more.
Raise a cup and stay a while,
Bring your stories, bring your smile.
Let the evening drift along,
You’re among your friends, you belong.

Verse 3

Now the game is on the screen,
You’re the keenest player we’ve seen.
One more round before you leave,
One more win you might achieve.
Win or lose, it’s all the same,
We’re just glad you came again.
Leave the scores and have your tea,
Good to have your company.

Bridge

Soon the ship will sail away,
Taking you beyond the bay.
When your next trip brings you near,
Come and find your friends right here.

Final chorus

Here’s to Bart and time ashore,
There’s a place for you once more.
Raise a cup and stay a while,
Bring your stories, bring your smile.
Let the evening drift along,
You’re among your friends, you belong.

Outro

Safe at sea and welcome here,
Our good friend and engineer.
Till we meet, take care out there,
We’ll keep a place, we’ll keep a chair.