Across the bay, they used to say, the rich men came around
Morning and night in their earthly paradise but it's all over now
And it's sad for me to admit that she could have loved me but I left her behind
Sailors, sing a song of sorrow Will I come back tomorrow? I don't know now

The Cuban girls say:
"Ai-i-yai-i-yai with each night that goes by
Tie another ribbon 'round the old palm tree
Ai-i-yai-i-yai with each night that goes by
I don't believe he's sailing home to me, to me"

Across the night, before it got light I used to call her name
I would step from the dock saying things I should not
And hoping she might feel the same
And it's hard for me to understand how she could've loved me but let me go blind
Sailors, sing a song for tomorrow there'll be tears There'll be sorrow, I don't know why

Don't let me go to my grave
Without these memories I'm trying to save!

Oh the Cuban girls say:
"Ai-i-yai-i-yai with each night that goes by
Tie another ribbon 'round the old palm tree
Ai-i-yai-i-yai with each night that goes by
I don't belive he's sailing home to me, to me"