this is just as it says

so many ways to make the answer gleam
you know your business best and cannot fail
year after year the fish feed in the stream

truth is what catches in the noontime beam
a meaning that we give when not too pale
so many ways to make the answer gleam

your signal is not what we should esteem
another rag is hanging on the nail
year after year the fish feed in the stream

thank every sailor that we have made steam
since the appearance might be not so stale
so many ways to make the answer gleam

against the tide there's nothing we could deem
worthy enough to pay off our travail
year after year the fish swim in the stream

all of the symbols are not what they seem
there is no safety left beyond the rail
so many ways to make the answer gleam
year after year the fish swim in the stream