The Storms Are On The Ocean
Nancy Blake Lyrics
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I'm going away for a while
But I'll return to see you sometime
If I go ten thousand miles
The storms are on the ocean
The heavens may cease to be
This world may lose it's motion love
Oh who will dress your pretty little feet
And who will glove your hand
Oh who will kiss your rosy red cheeks
When I'm in a foreign land
Papa will dress my pretty little feet
And Mama will glove my hand
You may kiss my rosy red cheeks
When you return again
Have you seen those mournful doves
Flying from pine to pine
A-mournin' for their own true love
Just like I mourn for mine
I'll never go back on the ocean love
I'll never go back on the sea
I'll never go back on my blue-eyed girl
'Til she goes back to me
In Nancy Blake's song 'The Storms are on the Ocean', the singer of the tune is indicating that he has to leave his loved one and will be gone for a while. He is also saying that he will return to see his love, even if it meant he has to travel a distance of ten thousand miles. This suggests that he is going away on a journey, probably meaning that he is leaving for work or some other reason. The song also highlights the turmoil of the sea and the environment, representing the internal conflict of the singer about leaving his partner. He fears if he doesn't keep his promise of coming back, the balance of the world might be disturbed, and it may cause something catastrophic to happen.
The lyrics that follow reflect the affection of the two lovers. The singer expresses his concern about leaving his lover and asks who will take care of her while he is gone. His partner, in turn, reminds him that her parents will take care of her, and they will always be kissed by the other when they reunite. The reference to mourning doves in the verse is indicative of the sadness he is feeling about leaving his love, just like the birds that mourn the death of their beloved. The love of his partner is not something he would quickly lose, and he swears to never leave her alone until she comes back to him.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going away to leave you love
I'm leaving you for some time.
I'm going away for a while
I plan to be gone for a period.
But I'll return to see you sometime
I will come back to visit you one day.
If I go ten thousand miles
I'll travel quite far to return.
The storms are on the ocean
The sea is dangerous.
The heavens may cease to be
Even the skies may change.
This world may lose its motion love
The world may stop spinning if I am unfaithful.
If I prove false to thee
If I betray our love.
Oh, who will dress your pretty little feet
Who will take care of you while I'm gone?
And who will glove your hand
Who will protect and comfort you?
Oh, who will kiss your rosy red cheeks
Who will show you love and affection?
When I'm in a foreign land
While I am traveling far from you.
Papa will dress my pretty little feet
Father will take care of me.
And Mama will glove my hand
Mother will comfort and support me.
You may kiss my rosy red cheeks
When you come back, you may express your love.
When you return again
After you have been gone.
Have you seen those mournful doves
Have you noticed the sad birds nearby?
Flying from pine to pine
Moving through the trees.
A-mournin' for their own true love
Grieving for their lost partners.
Just like I mourn for mine
I am sad like the mourning doves for my lost love.
I'll never go back on the ocean love
I won't return to the sea.
I'll never go back on the sea
I'll avoid the ocean.
I'll never go back on my blue-eyed girl
I'll never leave my love behind again.
'Til she goes back to me
Until she comes back to be with me.
Writer(s): A. P. Carter
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Cluck11
The most beautiful rendition of this song of the people
@leeblake3989
People don't realize it was Nancy that taught Reese Witherspoon to sing like June Carter in "Walk the Line", winning her the Oscar. Nancy was singing in the headphones as Reese was recording the sound track.
@richardlopez2932
I've done some drinking today. I have some drinking to do yet.
@Moody1110
Thank you!
@peterhanson3818
Nancy sounds like Sara Carter.
@screwsdisciple4819
i love this song sung by lester flatt a bit more actually.
@jamesbusse1543
4/0
@hayesdt1
I just love Nancy Blake's rendition of this classic.