When I dream I dream of Durham
That's the county where I long to be
When I dream I hear the pipers calling
They all say 'Come ye home to me'

I am a British deep sea captain
Like my father was long before me
I make my life on the deep salt ocean
Far away from Durham county

My first mate takes care of my ship
They're all good lads who work for me
Hard working lads from across the earth
Most places far from Durham county

When I dream I dream of Durham
That's the county where I long to be
When I dream I hear the pipers calling
They all say 'Come ye home to me'

The wind may blow and the waves may tumble
Wash us across South China Sea
In my heart the waves will wash me
Someday home to Durham county

So sing ye lads of a southern ocean
Of a sailor lost upon the sea
Sing it loud, won't you sing it clear boys
And they'll hear us in Durham county

When I dream I dream of Durham
That's the county where I long to be
When I dream I hear the pipers calling
They all say 'Come ye home to me'

I miss my wife and my sweet young daughter
May my love reach across the sea
My loved ones keep the home fires burning
At my heart and home in Durham county

The day will come when I retire
I'll leave this life upon the sea
I'll play the spoons and my old tin whistle
Sing the songs they love in Durham county

When I dream I dream of Durham
That's the county where I long to be
When I dream I hear the pipers calling
They all say 'Come ye home to me'
They all say 'Come ye home to me'
'Won't you come home in Durham county'