A marvellous creation, her builder's pride and joy
The hope of all her owners as she swings upon the buoy
Her siren shrieks it's farewell note, and proudly on her way
The brand new liner moves ahead in grandeur down the bay.
The passengers in festive mood, 'mid laughter, jest and quip
With every keen delight, enjoy thee great ship's maiden trip
She's sure to break the record, she'll do 30 knots or more
Is the hope of all aboard her, as she leaves her native shore.
Upon the bridge, her Captain proud, like every skipper bold
Is bedecked in gorgeous raiment of navy blue and gold
All eyes are fixed upon him - it's going to his head
He stops to drop the pilot, then rings down "Full Ahead".
And down below the battle starts, for the trophy of the seas
by engineers, not clad in gold, but greasy dungarees
On deck the scene is blithe and fair, with ladies, song and wine
But hell is popping down below, beneath the Plimsoll line.
The Chief lays out his orders to his officers below
and they obey his mandates as about their tasks they go
Steam pressure must not fluctuate; the bearings must not run hot
The revolutions must not drop, to make 30 knots.
At dinner the first night out, the Captain proudly boasts
"We'll surely break the record", the gallant ship he toasts
The task of breaking records greyed no hairs upon his head
His contribution ended when he rang down "Full Ahead".
Thru weary days and sleepless nights to consummate the dream
The engineers slave ceaselessly, 'til Ambrose Lights abeam
The record's been broken, average, "thirty one point four!"
The Captain wears a broad gold stripe - he's now the Commodore!
And yes - he claims the credit for what other men have done
He boasts thru press and radio the victory he's won
Neglecting even to mention as he swings his ballyhoo
The men of brain and brawn who pushed the great ship thru.
The moral of this poem is, quite conclusively
That glory seldom comes to those who win the victory
So keep this simple thought in mind, admiring record trips
The men behind the throttle are the men who drive the ships.
