The times were lean, your eyes were bold

And we fell right in together like beggars on the road

And as the months turn into years with the passing of each day

It gets harder all the time to find a reason not to stay.

CHORUS:

And when I need a lifeboat to keep out the sea

You are canvas and oak and you cradle me

And when I need a lifeboat and it looks like a storm

You are rudder and sail and you take me home.

Didn't need always to be strong

And when fear boiled up in anger, it never lasted long

It's a proud and reckless sailor who steers into the squall

But it's your arms that close around me as the rain begins to fall.

CHORUS

Knowing you, knowing me

Seems like we can be together, and we can still be free

And with every changing season I see deeper in your heart

And the memory stays with me when it's time to be apart.

LAST CHORUS:

And when you need a lifeboat to keep out the sea

I am canvas and oak and you lean on me

And when you need a lifeboat and it looks like a storm

I am rudder and sail and I'll take you home.