Departure Bay
Diana Krall Lyrics

The fading scent of summertime
The memories of warm weather that are slowly fading away.

Arbutus trees and firs
The types of trees that are prevalent in the area the author is talking about.

The glistening of rain-soaked moss
The visual of the wet moss reflecting light in the rain.

Going to the dairy queen at dusk
An experience of going to a fast food restaurant in the evening time.

Down narrow roads
Traveling on small and winding streets.

In autumn light
During the fall season with the changing light and colors.

The salt air and the sawmills
The combination of the smell of the sea and the sounds of the local sawmills.

And the bars are full of songs and tears
The emotional atmosphere in local bars filled with people singing and crying.

To the passing of the tugboats
Watching boats move through the area, and reflecting on the idea of change and departure.

And people with their big ideas
Observation of those who have ambition and dreams for the future.

I just get home and then I leave again
A life of constantly coming and going, never really having a true home base.

It's long ago and far away
Recalling events that have happened in the past and seeming like they occurred in a different time and place.

Now we're skimming stones and
Engaging in the simple yet memorable act of throwing stones on water.

Exchanging rings
Sharing in the symbolic gesture of exchanging wedding rings with a partner.

And scattering and sailing from departure bay
Leaving the departure bay behind and continuing on with life's journey.

The house was bare of Christmas lights
Depicting a home that was once festive and lively now devoid of holiday decorations.

It came down hard that year
Having a particularly rough year filled with challenges and difficulties.

Outside in our overcoats
Going out into the winter weather bundled up to stay warm.

Drinking down to the bitter end
Using alcohol to cope with life's struggles, even when the outcome is negative and unpleasant.

Trying to make things right
Working towards improving and fixing past issues or problems.

Like my mother did
Following the example of the artist's mother in how to navigate through difficult times.

Last year we were laughing
Remembering a recent time when things were happy and enjoyable.

We sang in church so beautifully
Sitting in the church as a community, singing together in harmony.

Now her perfume's on the bathroom counter
A physical reminder of someone (likely a mother figure) now gone, but their presence is still felt in everyday life.

And I'm sitting in the back pew crying
Experiencing intense grief or sadness while trying to hold it together in a familiar and emotional setting.

A song plays on the gramophone
Transporting back in time with the help of the familiar sounds of an old record player.

And thoughts turn back to life
Reflecting on past experiences, both good and bad.

We took the long way to get back
Choosing to take a more scenic route in order to enjoy and prolong the experience of being with loved ones.

Like driving over the malahat
Specifically referring to a road in British Columbia that is known for its iconic views during travel.

Now a seaplane drones and time has flown
Hearing the sound of a seaplane overhead, and realizing how much of life has gone by in the meantime.

I won't miss all the glamour
Not missing the superficial things in life, but cherishing the moments of genuine happiness and connection.

While my heart is beating and the lilacs bloom
Appreciating life and its beauty, such as the blooming of lilacs, and recognizing the preciousness of time while one is still alive.

But who knew when I started
Reflecting on how much life has changed and the unexpected twists and turns that life has brought.

That Id find a love and bring him home
Finding love and creating a life with someone that was not necessarily part of the initial plan and how it has changed everything.

Just get me there and one we will stay
Desiring an idyllic place to settle down and remain happy.

A long time off and far away
The ideal destination being a distant and picturesque location that one might eventually reach.

Now we're skimming stones and
Enjoying a peaceful moment doing something simple and meaningful with the one who is loved.

Exchanging rings
Sharing a union or commitment that is meaningful and lifelong with someone special.

We're scattering and diving in departure bay
Although life is unpredictable and ever-changing, there is joy in the journey and experiences, particularly in the area called 'Departure Bay'.