I though I heard the old man say,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
Tomorrow is our sailing day,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
Refrain:
Too ri ay, oh, too ri ay,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
There’s rotten and there’s weevily bread,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
It’s pump or drown the old man said,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
Refrain
She should not steer and she would not stay,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
She shipped the water night and day,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
Refrain
It’s one more pull and that will do,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
Fore we’re the bullies to pull her through,
John Kanakanaka too ri ay.
Refrain