In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
Sailor's Plea
Bill Monroe Lyrics
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For if those things I hear are true I'll never see you again
They tell me darlin' that tonight you'll wed another man
But if you do I'll tell you true my boat will never land
You promised that you would wait for me that nothin' could come between
That in my arms someday you'd be my wife and lovely Queen
I built you that cozy home and made a garden there
And planted too with my own hands sweet flowers rich and fair
My future hopes are placed in you you've been my guidin' star
Please write and tell me that you're true to the sailor who waits afar
Just tell me that you love me yet still long to be my wife
I'll return and then we'll wed and live a happy life
The song Sailor's Plea by Bill Monroe is a heart-wrenching plea from a sailor to his sweetheart. As he is away at sea, he has heard rumors that his love is going to marry someone else. The sailor is filled with pain at the thought of losing his love forever and implores her to wait for him.
The lyrics are filled with regret and sorrow as the sailor sings about the promises made to each other. He reminds her of the home and garden he has built for her, and the future he has hoped for with her. The sailor's hopes and dreams are intimately tied to his love, and he begs for her to remain faithful to him.
The song captures the desperation of a man who is miles away from the one he loves with no way of knowing if she is still waiting for him. He ends with a plea for her to write to him, to assure him of her love and that she still longs to be his wife. The sailor yearns to return home to wed his love and live the happy life they once dreamed of.
Overall, the lyrics in Sailor's Plea are a poignant representation of a love left unattended. The sailor's words express the fears and anxieties of many who have had to leave their loved ones behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear sweetheart as I write to you my heart is filled with pain
As I put these words to paper, I'm overwhelmed with sadness.
For if those things I hear are true I'll never see you again
Rumors say you're getting hitched tonight, and that means we'll never be together.
They tell me darlin' that tonight you'll wed another man
Everyone's saying that you're getting married to someone else tonight.
But if you do I'll tell you true my boat will never land
If you actually go through with it, I won't return home and we won't meet again.
You promised that you would wait for me that nothin' could come between
You swore to wait for me, and nothing could drive us apart.
That in my arms someday you'd be my wife and lovely Queen
I envisioned holding you tight in my embrace as my loving Queen and wife.
I built you that cozy home and made a garden there
I constructed a warm and comfortable dwelling for us, and planted flora to enhance our surroundings.
And planted too with my own hands sweet flowers rich and fair
I personally cultivated and propagated delightful, exquisite flowers to beautify our living space.
My future hopes are placed in you you've been my guidin' star
My dreams are tethered to you, as you've been my beacon and inspiration.
Please write and tell me that you're true to the sailor who waits afar
I urge you to write and attest to your faithfulness to me, the sailor who waits far from shore.
Just tell me that you love me yet still long to be my wife
Simply reassure me that you still love me and desire to be my lifelong partner.
I'll return and then we'll wed and live a happy life
I will come back, and then we will tie the knot and joyfully spend our lives together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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