The Ship That Never Returned - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
The Ship that Never Returned. Copyright, 1881, by S. Brainard's Sons. Words and Music by Henry C. Work. 
On a Summer's day, when the wave was rippled By the softest, gentlest breeze, Did a ship set sail, with cargo laden, For a port beyond the seas; There were sweet farewells-there were loving signals, While a form was yet discern'd; Though they knew it not, 'twas a solemn parting, For the ship-she never returned. 
Chorus. Did she never return? She never return'd-Her fate, it is yet unlearn'd; Tho' for years and years there were fond ones watching, Yet the ship-she never returned. 
Said a feeble lad to his anxious mother, "I must cross the wide, wide sea; For they say, perchance, in a foreign climate, There is health and strength for me." 'Twas a gleam of hope in a maze of danger, And her heart for her youngest yearn'd; Yet she sent him forth with a smile and a blessing On the ship that never return'd.-Chorus. 
"Only one more trip, " said a gallant seaman, As he kiss'd his weeping wife; Only one more bag of the golden treasure, And 'twill last us all through life. Then I'll spend my days in my cozy cottage, And enjoy the rest I've earn'd; But. alas, poor man! for he sail'd commander Of the ship that never return'd.-Chorus.