Forty-five years ago, I said goodbye to Navy life. 
I picked up my papers and got in the car with my wife.
We couldn’t get off the base fast enough.
The car was packed with all our stuff.
I thought there and then I would never think of the Navy. 
And I didn’t for a lot of years.
But then later on in my life, talking to my peers
Who were veterans themselves, they told me
I should be proud of my time in the Navy. 
I started to think back on what I’d done, 
The buddies I had and all the fun.
And I really started to miss those days,
Out at sea riding the waves.
Now I’ve always had a bond with the sea,
But never gave it much thought that it could be
From my long days and nights on a ship.
All those deployments, months and months on a trip.
But as time went on, I started thinking more and more 
About those times at sea, far from shore.
And for some reason, I can’t explain why, 
I’d like to go back to sea before I die. 
Now when I think of my time in uniform, 
There are many, many memories reborn.
And I’m glad I served when I did,
Just out of high school, an 18-year-old kid.
Would I do it again? In a minute,
But, my uniform, I can’t get back in it.
So issue me new ones and I’ll be on my way, 
An old salt who would leave today
To get my wish—Anchors Aweigh.