The designers of the Arkansas
Were inspired to choose a form that was
The exact dimensions and the shape
Of the state whose name she bore.

Yes, the ship was shaped like Arkansas,
And the hull was formed without a flaw.
Every detail had been reproduced
On a scale of one to one.

I was on the coast of Arkansas
When I saw her colors from the shore,
And I sadly waved my handkerchief
As the ship began to sing:

"I'm the ship that's shaped like Arkansas
And my hull was formed without a flaw.
Every detail has been reproduced
On a scale of one to one.

"Avast, me hearties!
Ahoy, me state!
Ahoy, there! Avast, there!
Ahoy, there, me hearties!"

When the rising tide engulfs the shore
And the waves roll over Arkansas,
Will the ship return to anchor there
And replace the sunken state?

For the ship was shaped like Arkansas,
And the hull was formed without a flaw.
Every detail had been reproduced
On a scale of one to one.