The Dutchman
Celtic Thunder Lyrics

The Dutchman's not the kind of man Who keeps his thumb jammed in the dam That holds his dreams in, But that's a secret that only Margaret knows.
The Dutchman doesn't settle, but keeps pursuing his dreams. Only Margaret knows that he longs for something greater.

When Amsterdam is golden in the summer, Margaret brings him breakfast, She believes him. He thinks the tulips bloom beneath the snow.
During Amsterdam's beautiful summers, Margaret supports the Dutchman's dreams. He optimistically believes that even during the cold winters, beauty can still be found.

He's mad as he can be, but Margaret only sees that sometimes, Sometimes she sees her unborn children in his eyes.
Though the Dutchman can be irrational, Margaret sees his passion and potential. She envisions their future together.

Let us go to the banks of the ocean Where the walls rise above the Zuider Zee. Long ago, I used to be a young man And dear Margaret remembers that for me.
The artist reminisces about his youth with Margaret, and suggests that they take a trip to the ocean where they once shared memories.

The Dutchman still wears wooden shoes, His cap and coat are patched with the love That Margaret sewed there. Sometimes he thinks he's still in Rotterdam.
The Dutchman embraces his roots, and the love that Margaret has sewn into his outfit. He can feel at home, even when far away from it.

And he watches the tug-boats down canals An' calls out to them when he thinks he knows the Captain. Till Margaret comes To take him home again
The Dutchman enjoys watching the boats, and imagines being part of a community. He feels comforted when Margaret reassures him that they're together.

Through unforgiving streets that trip him, though she holds his arm, Sometimes he thinks he's alone and he calls her name.
While walking the streets, the Dutchman occasionally feels isolated and calls for Margaret's help. Though she's right beside him, he still feels a bit lost.

The winters whirl the windmills 'round She winds his muffler tighter And they sit in the kitchen. Some tea with whiskey keeps away the dew.
During the cold winters, Margaret cares for the Dutchman and helps keep him warm. Together, they enjoy tea with whiskey to keep the chill away.

And he sees her for a moment, calls her name, She makes the bed up singing some old love song, A song Margaret learned When it was very new.
The Dutchman and Margaret share a loving moment before bedtime. She sings an old love song, which she learned when they were both young and in love.

He hums a line or two, they sing together in the dark. The Dutchman falls asleep and Margaret blows the candle out.
The Dutchman and Margaret affectionately sing together before he falls asleep. Margaret blows out the candle, signaling the end of another day.

Let us go to the banks of the ocean Where the walls rise above the Zuiderzee. Long ago, I used to be a young man And dear Margaret remembers that for me.
The singer suggests returning to the ocean to relive their fond memories. He acknowledges that he is older, but feels youthful again when with Margaret.