All Things Are Quite Silent
Maggie Reilly Lyrics


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All things are quite silent, each mortal at rest,
When me and my love got snug in one nest,
When a bold set of ruffians they entered our cave,
And they forced my dear jewel to plough the salt wave.

I begged hard for my sailor as I'd beg for my life.
They'd not listen to me although a fond wife,
Saying: "The king he wants sailors, to the sea he must go,"
And they've left me lamenting in sorrow and woe.

Although my love's gone I will not be cast down.
Who knows but my sailor may once more return?




And will make me amends for all trouble and strife,
And my true love and I might live happy for life

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Maggie Reilly's song "All things are quite silent" tells the story of a woman who had been living peacefully with her lover until a group of people invaded their home to forcefully take her lover away to become a sailor. The woman pleads for her lover to be left alone, but the men do not listen and take him away. Despite her lover being taken away, the woman holds onto hope that he will return, and they will have a happy and peaceful life together again.


The song is a traditional English folk song that has been covered by various artists over time. The lyrics have also been modified by different artists to suit their style of music. The message of the song resonates with people from different backgrounds and cultures as it portrays the strength and resilience of love, hope, and faith.


Line by Line Meaning

All things are quite silent, each mortal at rest,
Everything is silent and peaceful, and everyone is asleep.


When me and my love got snug in one nest,
When my lover and I were cozy in our home.


When a bold set of ruffians they entered our cave,
A group of robbers came into our home.


And they forced my dear jewel to plough the salt wave.
They kidnapped my beloved and forced him to go on a ship.


I begged hard for my sailor as I'd beg for my life.
I begged desperately for my lover's release, as if my life depended on it.


They'd not listen to me although a fond wife,
They ignored my pleas despite my love and devotion to my husband.


Saying: "The king he wants sailors, to the sea he must go,"
They claimed that the king required sailors for the navy, so my lover had to go to sea.


And they've left me lamenting in sorrow and woe.
They left me grieving with sadness and despair.


Although my love's gone I will not be cast down.
Even though my lover is gone, I will not lose hope or despair.


Who knows but my sailor may once more return?
Perhaps my lover will come back someday.


And will make me amends for all trouble and strife,
He will make up for all the difficulties and challenges we faced.


And my true love and I might live happy for life
We could potentially live a happy life together.




Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Mark Power

I am finding my way through the late 60's-70's electric folk and was having a hard time finding anything contemporary of the same quality until now - much appreciated!

Isa Bornau

This song is therapeutic <3

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