Sailors
James and the Drifters Lyrics


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For weeks there were beads
Of mist in our rigging
And cold rain,
But to-night there is dew

Soon shall I be
Beside Anita on her balcony
As dusk, now filled with tick of bats
Grows thicker, we can scarcely see
The leaves beneath us of this chestnut tree
And from the tired and empty street
Float up warm evening smells
With murmurings of men talking low
Contentedly, somewhere below

Meanwhile her northern sister, like a bird
Darts out her head
Then shuts herself again
Behind the numbèd pane
To watch the plaster sky, the glassy roofs




The slates and chimney-cowls abare
All silent in the snowy air

Overall Meaning

In the first paragraph, the lyrics describe a change in weather from mist and cold rain to dew. This change signifies a shift in the atmosphere and sets the scene for what is to come. The use of beads of mist in our rigging suggests a nautical theme, perhaps implying that the singer is a sailor or traveler.


Moving on to the second paragraph, the lyrics mention an individual named Anita on her balcony. It seems that the singer is longing to be with Anita, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. The mention of dusk and the ticking of bats adds a mysterious and slightly eerie atmosphere, as the surroundings become harder to make out.


The third paragraph paints a picture of the chestnut tree beneath Anita's balcony. It implies that the setting is elevated, with the leaves barely visible due to the thickening dusk. From the tired and empty street, warm evening smells are wafting up, suggesting a peaceful and contented atmosphere. The murmuring of men talking low adds to the ambiance, creating a sense of comfort and belonging.


In the final paragraph, the lyrics shift the focus to Anita's "northern sister." It implies that Anita has a sibling or a companion nearby. This sister is depicted as a bird peeping out and withdrawing behind a numbèd pane, observing the snowy air outside. The mention of the plaster sky, glassy roofs, slates, and chimney-cowls highlights the wintry setting. The silence in the snowy air adds a sense of calm and tranquility.


Overall, these lyrics evoke a sense of longing, anticipation, and tranquility. The shift in weather and the change of scenery from the misty rigging to Anita's balcony set the tone for an intimate and peaceful moment. The descriptive language and imagery enhance the emotions and atmosphere, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the setting and the emotions experienced by the singer.


Line by Line Meaning

For weeks there were beads
We have been experiencing small drops of water on our ship's rigging for several weeks.


Of mist in our rigging
The mist has settled on the ropes and other parts of our ship.


And cold rain,
Additionally, there has been continual precipitation in the form of cold rain.


But to-night there is dew
However, tonight we have noticed the presence of fresh dew.


Soon shall I be
In the near future, I will have the opportunity to be


Beside Anita on her balcony
Next to Anita, who will be on her balcony at that time.


As dusk, now filled with tick of bats
As the evening falls, currently resonating with the sound of bats flying.


Grows thicker, we can scarcely see
Becomes denser, making it difficult for us to see clearly.


The leaves beneath us of this chestnut tree
The foliage of the chestnut tree below us.


And from the tired and empty street
And from the weary and deserted street


Float up warm evening smells
Waft pleasant aromas of the evening


With murmurings of men talking low
Accompanied by hushed conversations among men


Contentedly, somewhere below
Happily, somewhere in the depths


Meanwhile her northern sister, like a bird
At the same time, her sibling from the north, resembling a bird


Darts out her head
Quickly extends her head


Then shuts herself again
Subsequently, retreats back inside


Behind the numbèd pane
Hiding behind the frosted glass


To watch the plaster sky, the glassy roofs
Observing the sky covered in plaster and the shiny rooftops


The slates and chimney-cowls abare
The uncovered slates and chimney pots


All silent in the snowy air
Everything is hushed in the snowy atmosphere




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Elizabeth Maconchy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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