Sailors ain't easy to love and they're harder to hold -
They love more the sea than you have been told
They speak with strange words you don't understand
Them right is "starboard" and left is "port"
If you don't understand her, and you don't like her boat,
Your relation is likely to be short.

Mamas, don't let your daughters grow up to be sailors.
Don't let 'em weigh anchors or hoist up the sails.
Let 'em play with make-up and polish their nails
Mamas don't let your daughters grow up to be sailors.
'Cos they'll always yearn to sea, that's where they want to be
They just want to be free

Sailors like tradewinds and sunsets and clear ocean waters
Sleeping in berth, salty air and keeping watch in the night
Those that don't know them won't like them and them that do,
Sometimes won't know how to take her.
She ain't butchy, she's just different but her pride won't let her
Do things to make you think she's right.

Mamas, don't let your daughters grow up to be sailors.
Don't let 'em weigh anchors or hoist up the sails.
Let 'em play with make-up and polish their nails
Mamas don't let your daughters grow up to be sailors.
'Cos they'll always yearn to sea, that's where they want to be
They just want to be free.