Harbour Lights
Elvis Presley Lyrics


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I saw the harbour lights

They only told me we were parting
Those same old harbour lights
That once brought you to me.

I watched the harbour lights
How could I help it?
Tears were starting.
Good-bye to golden nights
Beside the silvery seas.

I long to hold you dear,
And kiss you just once more.
But you were on the ship,
And I was on the shore.

Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart keeps praying




That someday harbour lights
Will bring you back to me.

Overall Meaning

In Elvis Presley's song Harbour Lights, the singer describes the painful experience of watching the harbour lights signaling the departure of a loved one. The lights that were once a symbol of hope and happiness when they brought the loved one to him are now a painful reminder of their separation. The singer is unable to contain his tears as he watches the lights, knowing that his loved one is on the ship and he is left behind on the shore. He longs to hold and kiss them one last time but it is not possible. The singer then expresses his loneliness, praying that one day the same harbour lights will bring the loved one back to him.


The song explores the universal theme of love and separation. The imagery of the harbour lights and the silvery seas evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, creating a melancholic atmosphere. The lyrics convey the pain of separation and the hope that love will eventually reunite the lovers. The song is a beautiful representation of how love can survive through difficult times and the power of hope in bringing people back together.


Line by Line Meaning

I saw the harbour lights
I caught a glimpse of the lights in the area where boats dock


They only told me we were parting
The sight of the harbour lights suggested that our connection was coming to an end


Those same old harbour lights
The sight of the harbour lights was familiar to me


That once brought you to me.
In the past, the harbour lights marked the arrival of someone special to my life


I watched the harbour lights
I kept my eyes fixed on the lights by the docks


How could I help it?
There was no way I could avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sight of the harbour lights


Tears were starting.
The image of the harbour lights moved me to tears


Good-bye to golden nights
I was bidding farewell to happy memories


Beside the silvery seas.
Which took place against the backdrop of a serene, reflective environment


I long to hold you dear,
I yearn for a romantic embrace with someone I care about deeply


And kiss you just once more.
I want to express my emotions through an intimate gesture with my significant other


But you were on the ship,
The person I care about was already on a sailing boat


And I was on the shore.
I, on the other hand, was standing on the shores away from the harbor


Now I know lonely nights
I have to face solitude and emotional emptiness


For all the while my heart keeps praying
Despite being alone, my heart still hopes for a reunion


That someday harbour lights
I believe that in the future the sight of the harbour lights could indicate the return of my loved one


Will bring you back to me.
Which makes me optimistic about regaining their affection once more




Contributed by Austin A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@InOmniaParatus83

[ΠΡΟΣ ΑΑΠΙΝΙ ΜΟΥ:]

I saw the harbor lights
*
They only told me we were parting
Those same old harbor lights
That once brought you to me
*
I watched the harbor lights
How could I help it?
Tears were starting
Good-bye to golden nights
Beside the silvery seas
*
I long to hold you dear
And kiss you just once more
But you were on the ship
And I was on the shore
*
Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart keeps praying
That someday harbor lights
Will bring you back to me



All comments from YouTube:

@robjones2408

How many 19 year olds have sounded like this, before or afterwards ?
Utterly wonderful. One of the most beautiful tracks by the Sun King, and the most overlooked.

@robjones2408

A decent observation.
Elvis' voice was unlike anything that had been heard before
in the mid-1950s.
That's why six decades later, people still listen to his music.
It also helps to have those impossibly exquisite looks
as well. "Col" Tom Parker knew a good thing when he saw Elvis.

Ultimately, Elvis stood head and shoulders above the rest.

@MasterKota2142

Jesus Christ You're a special kind of stupid aren't you? To have an account named after Jesus and do the exact opposite of what he would do. 😂

@georgepenton6023

I am not a huge Presley fan but this was exquisitely beautiful.

@ladyluck8314

alfonso miguel ramos canca :
Was that Elvis whistling in that track ?

@ladyluck8314

alfonso miguel ramos canca :
Thank you.

3 More Replies...

@christineadlard221

Most beautiful version of a beautiful song 💕

@lrh1966

Thanks Christine for checking it out and have a great day from Lloyd.

@rodeostruerager

This song brings me such great vibes... I feel like I were in Hawaii with someone beloved. I love you, Elvis !

@lrh1966

Thanks for listening Natan and have a great day from Lloyd :)

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