Story Behind The Song

Poem set to music. Written by my father during world war II while at sea.

Lyrics

Please note this is the CD version of the song with an acoustic guitar intro.
Merchant Marine

Now all is not gold that glitters tis said
yet to tell that to Otto you'd think he was dead.
For Otto loved money with a passion so great,
when it came time for poker he was never late.

He'd sit at the table, just beam'n goodwill,
while his heart really ached for the jack in the till.
This story takes place, out on the Atlantic,
where are ships dodging subs at a pace that is frantic.

Chorus
My ship is loaded with amunition,
If I survive I'm gonna hit the ground kissin
On coffin corner in the north Atlantic
were sailing with the merchant marines.

To while the time away, while the men are off duty,
they love to play poker with high hopes of booty.
now most of the boys on this cold winters day,
were playing thier game just to while the time away.

The deals gone around three times in a hurry,
the gangs at there best now on alls in a fluury.
With confident hands Otto passes the deal,
and he's sure this is one pot he's going to steal.

Chorus

Now soon Otto's bank roll is down to a nil
and he has every cent that he owns in the til.
Now comes the showdown and watch Otto blush
as he pulls out a gun and he calls it his flush

So don't gamble friend and I'm sure you will find.
It's better by far to stick to the grind.
If it's riches you want and would gain in a thrice,
just remember Otto, and I'm sure you'll think twice.

Chorus