There are two distinct sets of lyrics in popular culture for the song. The theme of the TV series of the same name, sung by
Alex Glasgow, was released as a BBC single and uses the traditional lyrics. The songs represent a boy waiting for the boat to come in, dancing to his father, singing to his mother, eating a fish. The non-traditional lyrics describe him doing things while he ages: first singing and playing, next farming, finds a girl, becomes a father to a son, and sings to him of all he's done. This version was also used in a TV advertisement for
Young's Seafood "Sea to Plate" campaign, and used the same lyrics as
The Wiggles. The lyrics of the traditional version of the song, used in the TV series theme, differ significantly from those of the TV advertisement, talking of drinking alcohol. == Other traditional versions ==