Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads A whale of a tale or two 'Bout the flapping fish and girls I've loved On nights like this with the moon above A whale of a tale and it's all true, I swear by my tatoo There was Mermaid Minnie Met her down in Madagascar She would kiss me Anytime that I would ask her Then one evening Her flame of love blew out Blow me down and pick me up, She swapped me for a trout! Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads A whale of a tale or two 'Bout the flapping fish and girls I've loved On nights like this with the moon above A whale of a tale and it's all true, I swear by my tatoo There was Typhoon Tessie Met her on the coast of Java When we kissed I Bubbled up like molten lava Then she gave me The scare of my young life Blow me down, and pick me up She was the captain's wife! Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads A whale of a tale or two 'Bout the flapping fish and girls I've loved On nights like this with the moon above A whale of a tale and it's all true, I swear by my tatoo Then there was Harpoon Hannah Had a look that spelled out danger My heart quivered when she whispered, "I'm there, stranger" Bought her trinkets That sailors can't afford (Sailors can't afford) And when I spent my last red cent She tossed me overboard! Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads A whale of a tale or two 'Bout the flapping fish and girls I've loved On nights like this with the moon above A whale of a tale and it's all true, I swear by my tatoo!