"Heather Dale's songs express something that honors tradition, but in keeping with the best of traditions they break new ground." WDVR FM (USA)
Adrift
Heather Dale Lyrics
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My mother's adrift on the sea!
My brothers have left her alone in the gale -
There's no one to save her but me."
"Oisín, Oisín, lay down your fair head
I've given you gold and I've given my bed,
And your mother lies sleeping; she's well and she's hale."
"Lover, dear lover, she's crying my name,
My mother's adrift on the sea!
There's none to protect her, no oar and no sail -
There's no one to save her but me."
"Oisín, Oisín, another will come
I've given you riches, I'll give you a son
And your mother is singing; she's well and she's hale."
"Lover, dear lover, there are tears on her gown,
My mother's adrift on the sea!
Her sons have all left her, I cannot now fail -
There's no one to save her but me."
"Oisín, Oisín, you've seen an untruth
I've given you kingship, I've given you youth
And your mother has comfort; she's well and she's hale."
The lyrics of Heather Dale's song Adrift tell the story of a man named Oisín who has had a disturbing dream in which his mother is alone and stranded at sea. He is deeply concerned for her safety and is desperate to find a way to rescue her. Oisín goes to his lover for comfort and support, but she tries to assure him that his mother is actually safe and well. However, Oisín cannot shake his worry and continues to plead for help. Despite his lover's reassurances, he cannot rest until he knows his mother is safe and ultimately decides to set out on a perilous journey to rescue her himself.
The song is a poignant exploration of the themes of love, family, and sacrifice. Oisín's deep love for his mother drives him to take on a daunting challenge, even in the face of his lover's attempts to dissuade him. The lyrics also touch on the idea that sometimes even the most well-intentioned attempts to comfort someone can be misguided, and that there are certain situations where one can only trust their own instincts and judgement.
Line by Line Meaning
Lover, dear lover, I've had a fell dream,
The singer had a bad dream and is addressing their lover.
My mother's adrift on the sea!
The singer’s mother is lost at sea.
My brothers have left her alone in the gale -
The singer’s brothers abandoned their mother during a storm.
There's no one to save her but me.
The only person who can rescue the singer’s mother is the singer.
Oisín, Oisín, lay down your fair head
The singer addressing someone named Oisín.
I've given you gold and I've given my bed,
The singer has given Oisín gifts and affection.
And your mother lies sleeping; she's well and she's hale.
Oisín's mother is well and resting.
Lover, dear lover, she's crying my name,
The singer’s mother is calling for her child.
There's none to protect her, no oar and no sail -
The mother is helpless and has no means of escape.
There's no one to save her but me.
The only person who can rescue the singer’s mother is the singer.
Oisín, Oisín, another will come
The singer is reassuring Oisín that someone else will help.
I've given you riches, I'll give you a son
The singer promises more gifts to Oisín.
And your mother is singing; she's well and she's hale.
Oisín's mother is content and healthy.
Lover, dear lover, there are tears on her gown,
The singer’s mother is crying and distressed.
Her sons have all left her, I cannot now fail -
All of the singer’s siblings have abandoned their mother so it's the singer's responsibility to save her.
There's no one to save her but me.
The only person who can rescue the singer’s mother is the singer.
Oisín, Oisín, you've seen an untruth
The singer is telling Oisín that his perception of the situation is incorrect.
I've given you kingship, I've given you youth
The singer reiterates the gifts given to Oisín.
And your mother has comfort; she's well and she's hale.
Oisín's mother is comfortable and healthy.
Contributed by Kylie N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.