The Wild Goose
Kate Rusby (John McCusker) Lyrics
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Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
They're just like them pretty girls when they get the notion
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
Ranzo you'll rue the day
As the wild goose sails away
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
I met with a pretty girl my heart it was a quiver
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
I said how are you doing this morning
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
She said none the better for the seeing of you
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
You broke my heart oh you broke it full sore o'
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
If I sail like the wild goose
you'll break it no more o'
Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray
The song "The Wild Goose" tells a story of a sailor who enjoys watching wild geese sailing on the ocean. The lyricist draws an analogy between the wild geese and pretty girls who are unpredictable and impulsive, just like the birds. The chorus line "Ranzo my boys oh Ranzo Ray" is a refrain that emphasizes the carefree spirit of the sailor.
During one evening, the sailor meets a pretty girl at the river, and his heart starts to flutter. However, the girl is sad, and her mood worsens after seeing the sailor. The sailor is puzzled and asks why, but the girl's response is that she is no better for seeing him. The girl is hurt, and the sailor has broken her heart so much that she equates his actions to the wild goose's sailing away. The sailor becomes remorseful and promises that if he ever sails away like the wild goose, he would not break her heart.
The song conveys a sense of freedom and the unpredictability of life through the metaphorical depiction of wild geese sailing on the ocean. It also shows the consequences of one's actions on others, which the sailor realizes after he meets the heartbroken girl by the river. The song is a beautiful folk composition that emphasizes the need to be mindful of others' feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever see the wild goose sailing on the ocean
Have you ever seen the wild goose gliding across the sea?
They're just like them pretty girls when they get the notion
The wild geese act like beautiful women when they decide to go off and be free.
Ranzo you'll rue the day
Ranzo, you'll regret the day that you let go.
As the wild goose sails away
As the wild goose drifts off into the unknown.
As I was walking one evening by the river
While wandering beside the river one evening,
I met with a pretty girl my heart it was a quiver
I came upon a lovely girl who set my heart aflutter.
She said none the better for the seeing of you
She replied that seeing me had not improved her day.
You broke my heart oh you broke it full sore o'
You shattered my heart, oh, you broke it so badly.
If I sail like the wild goose you'll break it no more o'
If I depart, like the wild goose, you'll no longer have the power to hurt me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charliebradley9846
Sing on Kate Rusby. You lift souls everywhere with your beautiful voice and beautifully presented material.
@jmzfactor
This was on the soundtrack tonight to November Christmas on Hallmark Hall of Fame. I thought it was so beautiful and searched from the last line on Google and found it here. Exceptional and gorgeous singing.
@ChrisCurtisFan
Hallmark is running this beautiful movie again on November 23! Thank you for posting the live video of Kate Rusby doing this beautiful song!
@StevenRing-ws4tt
As an almost lifelong musician, I am so touched by this song, and especially Kate Rusby's presentation of it. Wow! What a precious tune. It puts me at ease every time I hear it. Thanks, Kate!
@nightingaleofsorrow9349
Agreed my friend!💕
@andrewrodgers2180
I am sitting here in me chair, blubbering away like a bady. This song and Kate's voice and presentation are so beautiful. No words, there are angels among us,
@robertmccardle5113
Ahmen.
@lorikunz9554
Came across this song after seeing November Christmas, makes me teary eyed listening to it
@henrithehero
Yep. Every time.
@Nsulliva629
I looked for it because of November Christmas in Hallmark, this scene on the hay ride is so wonderful.