Watch for the weather vane, it’s changing direction
Watch for the vane me boys, it’s pointing to the land
Watch for the weather vane, it’s His Majesty’s inspection
Hide the brandy and the baccy and the rum
Hide the contraband

‘Mid the bogs and moss of Egremont lies a tavern by the sea
Where Polly Jones will hide the rum, and she'll do it for a fee
The lookout’s up the willow tree, watching for the men
Waiting till the coast is clear to bring it out again

Watch for the weather vane, it’s changing direction
Watch for the weather vane, it’s pointing to the land
Watch for the vane me boys, it’s His Majesty’s inspection
Hide the brandy and the baccy and the rum
Hide the contraband

The Excise men are coming, mind the dogs don’t bark,
Roll the little barrels down the stairs and store them in the dark
You can trust Old Mother Recap with your baccy and your rum
She’ll hide it in the cellar till the Excise men have gone

Watch for the weather vane, it’s changing direction
Watch for the vane me boys, it’s pointing to the land
Watch for the vane me boys, it’s His Majesty’s inspection
Hide the brandy and the baccy and the rum
Hide the contraband

Now the coast is clear me boys, St. Hilary’s not far
Through the tunnels and down to Bidston, the ship is at the Bar
Mother Recap minds the wages till we’re home again from sea
She’ll take a cut and keep it shut as we sail out from the Dee

Watch for the weather vane, it’s changing direction
Watch for the vane me boys, it’s pointing to the land
Watch for the vane me boys, it’s His Majesty’s inspection
Hide the brandy and the baccy and the rum
Hide the contraband
Hide the brandy and the baccy and the rum
Hide the contraband