The time arrives, the hour at hand,
as Oxford and Cambridge assemble and stand.
For a race along the River Thames,
from Putney to Mortlake to find what stems.

An official toss of the sovereign on place,
to determine which side for which crew in this race.
All takes part below a blue sky,
on a warm golden day and weather so dry.

The "Blues" from bow to stroke plus cox,
position themselves prepeared with their clocks.
From the west side of Putney Cross,
to Hammersmith Bridge and gain without loss.

The horn is blown the race begins,
a competition to see who wins.
Viewed by millions across the earth,
the crews convey what their worth.

Covering a distance of two miles,
during the tough and tiring trials.
A halfway mark at Surrey Bend,
the fight goes on to gain and defend.

Upon the Thames, within the walls,
come the London supporting calls.
so many thousands of folk there crowd,
as the boats come into position so proud.

Rowing past at such a pace,
and showing so well a determined race.
Now to aim for the three mile sign,
a fall in length to the finishing line.

So determined are the teams,
to see the cup there of their dreams.
At the point, placed to claim,
beside the bottles of champaign.

Supporting spectators seen so clear,
within the festival atmosphere.
As boats close in with moves so fine,
side by side and line in line.

The line is crossed, the moment comes,
exhausted crews of chosen chums.
Such a fight to reach ahead,
As both crews now end in red.