Sweet England
Jim Moray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To hear the larks whistle and the gully-birds sing,
I heard a sweet maiden a making a moan,
But alas I'm a stranger a long way from home.
I came from Sweet England with my mother and dad,
And I thought in America all could be had,
Of Gold and of silver and acres galore,
And I'll never meet hunger and poverty more.
And my mother can learn but there's little for bread,
And I dream as I gaze o'er the far distant Main,
For a fine ship to take me to England again.
Now my mother is dead, and I'm left all alone,
But if I were in England no more would I roam,
And the aunt's in the country and she loves me amain,
So won't some ship take me to England again?
[instrumental
There's a neat little cottage with a rose at the door,
And there with my aunt I would live my life o'er,
And nurse her in sickness and tend to her pain,
And thank God I'm back in Sweet England again.
The song "Sweet England" by Jim Moray is a bittersweet reflection on the experience of immigrants in America in the 19th century. The lyrics describe a young woman who left England with her parents in search of a better life in America. She has dreams of finding riches and prosperity, but the reality is far different. Her father dies, and her mother struggles to make ends meet. The woman longs to return home to England, where she has an aunt who loves her and a place to call home.
The song captures the internal conflict of immigrants who leave behind their homes and families, hoping to find a better life elsewhere. The woman's nostalgia for England is palpable, and the longing in her voice is a poignant reminder of the hardships and sacrifices that immigrants face. The song also contains a sense of hope, as the woman dreams of returning to England to care for her aunt and live out her days in a peaceful cottage with a rose at the door.
Overall, "Sweet England" is a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience, and an emotional tribute to the longing for home that is universal to all people.
Line by Line Meaning
As I was a walking one morning in Spring,
I was walking in the morning of spring.
To hear the larks whistle and the gully-birds sing,
I was enjoying the nature, listening to birds singing.
I heard a sweet maiden a making a moan,
I heard a maiden mourning.
But alas I'm a stranger a long way from home.
Unfortunately, I am a foreigner far away from my home.
I came from Sweet England with my mother and dad,
I originally belong to Sweet England with my parents.
And I thought in America all could be had,
I believed that in America I could find everything I need.
Of Gold and of silver and acres galore,
I expected to have lots of money and land.
And I'll never meet hunger and poverty more.
I thought I would never face poverty or hunger again.
But alas for Sweet England my father is dead,
Unfortunately, my father passed away in Sweet England.
And my mother can learn but there's little for bread,
My mother can work hard, but there is not enough to fulfill our needs.
And I dream as I gaze o'er the far distant Main,
I dream and look over the far distant sea.
For a fine ship to take me to England again.
I wish to go back to England in a beautiful ship.
Now my mother is dead, and I'm left all alone,
Now, unfortunately, my mother has also passed away, and I am all by myself.
But if I were in England no more would I roam,
If I were in England, I would not wander anymore.
And the aunt's in the country and she loves me amain,
My aunt is in the countryside, and she loves me with all her heart.
So won't some ship take me to England again?
Hence, I request a ship to take me back to England.
[instrumental
There's a neat little cottage with a rose at the door,
I have a small and beautiful cottage with a delicate rose plant at the door.
And there with my aunt I would live my life o'er,
I wish to live the rest of my life with my aunt.
And nurse her in sickness and tend to her pain,
I want to look after her during her sickness and ease her discomfort.
And thank God I'm back in Sweet England again.
I am grateful to God for bringing me back to Sweet England again.
Writer(s): Jim Moray
Contributed by Stella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@o0oravenforevero0o
A country is so much more than a political unit... It's a place your heart calls home. If loving the place you belong becomes something to be ashamed of... the world made a mistake. 'No one chastises a home sick child. For everyone loves their homes
@arpitasam5018
No one will take away your right to be happy at home. Just stay clear of propaganda. We shall keep an eye and make sure that we all are safe. No worries.
@AdrianAngove
This new take on a traditional folk song was self-recorded in his bedroom by Jim when he was 22 years old and studying for his last year at Birmingham Conservatoire of Music, in England. Jim played every instrument and sang all the vocal parts. The song became the title track on the album of the same name.
@monkiss77
amazing song from one of sweet englands most amazing singer and multi instrumentalists. jim moray really is the voice of a generation and i cant wait for the day i get to see him play live
@unamed2516
God this guy is just as good as Kate rusby!😍😍😍😊👍🏾
@sophminx
saw him at mosely folk in the little racket stage, unplugged, 20 person room!!! amazing singer, especially seeing him such an intimate environment.
@kevwinks3991
You should listen to his sister, Jackie Oates, she is also very gifted.
@Ragniirox
Beautiful
@PrinceBishop3
wonderful
@Clairevoyance_
Love It xx