Ave Maria

Steamin' up from Ketchican

Smell the diesel comin' in

Sister helps to trim the sail

As Father Michael gives the wheel a spin.

All the cabins empty out

Down towards the harbor pier.

Molly holds her new boy up,

Says, "He'll need christenin' while you're here."

Been a long cold winter

And now it's finally come an end. 

St. Jude knows, we ain't had nothin' new to read

Since I don't know when. 

Chorus

So welcome the Ave Maria 

Sail in the Ave Maria

Tie off the Ave Maria

Before my soul floats away

Mission boats' been dockin' here

Since they struck gold up the Chilcutt Trail

Brings the Jesuit mariners

Every spring thaw without fail. 

Daniel's gramma, native-born

Been holdin' on until this day,

Fadin', waitin' for the holy words,

So she can now be on her way. 

Sister gathers up the children

For some schoolin' and some prayers

As so often through his servants

He shows how much He cares. 

Chorus

Rachel's pa from over Sitka

Said we could marry come the Spring.

Her kisses draw me like the compass,

Set my eyes to shivering.

I been seeing Father Michael

Makin' the two of us as one

All through this hot and heavy winter

And finally now thy will be done.

There are harbors that protect us

And their boats against the tide.

And there are boats that bless their harbors

With the faith of those inside. 

Chorus