It was in Brooklyn where she became alive,

The “Yard Birds” knew her as “BB 55”.

Wasn’t long before the Old Boswain piped “Turn To”.

To show the world what she could do.

Many a first she would claim,

NORTH CAROLINA, was her name.

On a clear August night,

With a blast of thunder sent 19 projectiles into flight.

All other ships couldn’t meet her feat,

She was known as “The Show Boat” to the fleet.

From her engine to her gun,

Many was the Admiral’s reply, “Well Done”.

From plot the word was received “A bogie on the screen”.

You knew “The Show Boat” was on the scene.

With her nation’s engine flying high,

Many of her enemies she waved “Good Bye”.

But all her foe could do,

Radio back – NORTH CAROLINA sunk two

Many was a surprised eye

To see “The Show Boat” riding high.

They who came to see her scars,

Couldn’t be confused by her 15 battle scars.

Not many a ship came all the way,

From Guadalcanal to Tokyo Bay.

With her weary sailors’ “Homeward Bound”

She was like a new love found.

While all the tired ships were at their rewarding rest,

“The Show Boat” was to receive the best.

The “Tarheel State” opened up her big heart,

In Memorial for those who played their supreme part.

And now at Wilmington near the sea,

To show us all of the ship that had to be.