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.
Where Is My Sailor Boy?
Bill Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He sleeps in the bottom of the deep blue sea
And can't come back to me
I stand on the beach alone and gaze at the misty blue
Deep sea ere you hold him to your breast,
Does he mention my name to you?
Oh, what does the deep sea say? Oh, what does the deep sea say?
It moans, it groans, oh it splashes and foams, and rolls on it's weary way
Oh please tell me deep blue sea, is he sleeping peacefully?
The winds from the north are blowing icy cold,
Please keep him warm for me
If only my dreaming soul, some token or sign could find
If only the waves would show me where he sleeps,
I would leave this world behind
Chorus:
Oh, what does the deep sea say? Oh, what does the deep sea say?
It moans, it groans, oh it splashes and foams, and rolls on it's weary way
A beautiful rose one day, I placed on the crest of a wave
I said take it please and let it set upon
Above his watery grave
As it would I watched in vain, my rose ne'er came back again
So wave take another message to my love,
Saying I'll meet him above
Chorus:
Oh, what does the deep sea say? Oh, what does the deep sea say?
It guards, it holds true lovers, and sleeps, and rolls on its weary way.
The lyrics of Bill Monroe's "Where Is My Sailor Boy?" speak to the pain and longing of a woman who has lost her beloved sailor to the depths of the sea. She stands alone on the beach, gazing out at the misty blue as she wonders where he is and what the sea is saying about him. She asks the ocean to keep him warm and hopes for a sign that he is sleeping peacefully. Her love for him is so strong that she would willingly leave the world behind if only she could find some token or sign of his whereabouts. In desperation, she places a rose on the crest of a wave to be carried to him, but it never comes back, leaving her to wonder if he will ever know of her love and devotion.
This song is a classic example of the melancholy ballads that are a hallmark of bluegrass and country music. It captures the sadness and longing that are common themes in the genre, and its simple melody and haunting lyrics make it a memorable and evocative piece of music. It is a testament to the enduring power of traditional music, and it continues to be beloved by fans of bluegrass and country music to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, where is my sailor boy? Oh, where is my sailor boy?
The singer is expressing their longing for their sailor love who is missing and unable to come back.
He sleeps in the bottom of the deep blue sea
The sailor has passed away and is buried at sea.
And can't come back to me
The sailor's death is permanent and the singer will never be able to see them again.
I stand on the beach alone and gaze at the misty blue
The singer is standing on the shore, looking out at the sea with sadness and longing.
Deep sea ere you hold him to your breast,
The singer is addressing the sea, asking if it will hold and protect the sailor's body.
Does he mention my name to you?
The singer wonders if the sailor still thinks of them and if they are remembered in death.
Oh please tell me deep blue sea, is he sleeping peacefully?
The singer is seeking reassurance that the sailor is at rest and not suffering in death.
The winds from the north are blowing icy cold,
The singer is describing the cold weather and harsh conditions that could harm the sailor's remains.
Please keep him warm for me
The singer is asking the sea to protect and care for the sailor in their final resting place.
If only my dreaming soul, some token or sign could find
The singer is hoping for a message or sign from the sailor to show they are still present in some way.
If only the waves would show me where he sleeps,
The singer is searching for a physical location of the sailor's resting place.
I would leave this world behind
The singer is so desperate for closure that they are willing to give up their own life to find the sailor's resting place.
A beautiful rose one day, I placed on the crest of a wave
The singer has attempted to send a message to the sailor by placing a rose on the water.
I said take it please and let it set upon
The singer is hoping the rose will travel to the sailor and provide comfort.
Above his watery grave
The sailor is buried at sea.
As it would I watched in vain, my rose ne'er came back again
The singer's attempt to send a message was unsuccessful and they did not receive a response.
So wave take another message to my love,
The singer is trying again to send a message to the sailor, hoping for a response.
Saying I'll meet him above
The singer is expressing their belief that they will be reunited with the sailor in the afterlife.
It guards, it holds true lovers, and sleeps, and rolls on its weary way.
The sea is a powerful natural force that carries on regardless of human emotions, but it also protects and holds onto the love between the singer and the sailor.
Contributed by Blake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.