Harbor Lights
Engelbert Humperdinck Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I saw the harbor lights
They only told me we were parting
The same old harbor lights that once brought you to me
I watched the harbor lights
How could I help if tears were starting
Goodbye to tender nights beside the silv'ry sea

I long to hold you near 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 is whisp'ring
Some other harbor lights will steal your love from me

I long to hold you near 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 is whisp'ring
Some other harbor lights will steal your love from me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Engelbert Humperdinck's "Harbor Lights" convey heartbreak and the sorrow of parting ways. The song speaks of watching the harbor lights as a symbol of a lost love, with the same lights that once brought the two lovers together now serving as a reminder of their parting. The singer expresses their deep longing to hold and kiss their beloved one last time before they depart on a ship, leaving the singer alone on the shore. But now, the singer feels only loneliness and the fear that the harbor lights will bring someone else to take the place of their lost love, stealing them away forever.


The song's melancholic tone is emphasized by its slow and steady pace, with Engelbert Humperdinck's expressive vocals adding depth to the lyrics. The recurring theme of harbor lights is a poignant reminder of how places and things that were once imbued with love and romance can come to symbolize heartache and longing. The song also reminds us of the pain of separation, as the singer is left alone with only memories and the hope that their love will one day return.


Line by Line Meaning

I saw the harbor lights
I saw the lights of the harbor


They only told me we were parting
The lights only reminded me that we were separating


The same old harbor lights that once brought you to me
The lights that used to guide you to me are the same lights I am seeing now


I watched the harbor lights
I observed the harbor lights


How could I help if tears were starting
It was natural for tears to start in that situation


Goodbye to tender nights beside the silv'ry sea
I must bid farewell to the gentle nights we spent by the shimmering sea


I long to hold you near and kiss you just once more
I yearn to embrace you closely and give you one more kiss


But you were on the ship and I was on the shore
Unfortunately, you were on the ship sailing away while I was standing on the shore


Now I know lonely nights
I am becoming familiar with lonely nights


For all the while my heart is whisp'ring
My heart keeps telling me


Some other harbor lights will steal your love from me
I fear that different harbor lights will steal your love away from me




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hugh Williams, Jimmy Kennedy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@gloriawilliams7842

Thank you MsCatreona for sharing this so lovely song sang by the King of Romance his unique and deep voice makes this song fantastic love it

@MsCatreona

You're welcome.

@ellenr.3549

This was my father's favourite song and now is mine.

@Toywithme200

i think this is the BESt version of this song!

@franciscapaule4048

Memorable song of Enge in their old house where he was born !!

@benniewright875

Wonderful voice and so much talent; the greatest romantic singer in the world Sir Engelbert; love to you Sir.Bennie

@jaromir1942

This Hit sang many STARS but about my opinion is the best with The Platters" J.H.

@jorgealejandrogirarditoled5938

Fantástica versión de Engelbert Humperdick 🇬🇧 de clásica Canción de The Platters...👏👏👏👏👌

@erko62

Fantastic version of The Platters song..

@gynack

++Neuza Martins
Frances Langford recorded this in1937. Hardly The Platters' song although they did, right enough, record it later, in the 50's or 60's.

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