Heads are flying, people dying
Cannonballs that crush through flesh
Sails full mast, rigging crying
Piracy is an oath to death.
Sultry powder, sparks ignite
Torn up muscles ache inside
Bullets burrow into sides
One moment alive; the next, he dies.
Glamor lost in cracked up bone
Gangrene sets in broken skin
Honor rots in black sea foam
For golden coins and welcomed sin.
T’is not the gleaming thing we thought
Swashbuckling adventure lived and fought
The truth of criminals at sea with swords
Is as dark as men with guns ashore.