When August winds are turning
The fishing boats set out upon the sea
I watch 'til they sail out of sight
The winter follows soon
I watch them drawn into the night
Beneath the August moon

No one knows I come here
Some things I don't share
I can't explain the reasons why
It moves me close to tears
Or something in the season's change
Will find me wandering here

And in my public moments
I hear the things I say but they're not me
Perhaps I'll know before I die
Admit that there's a reason why
I count the boats returning to the sea
I count the boats returning to the sea

And in my private moments
I drop the mask that I've been forced to wear
But no one knows this secret me
Where albeit unconsciously
I count the boats returning from the sea
I count the boats returning from the sea

Copyright: Universal Music Publishing Group
Writer(s): GORDON SUMNER