Liverpool
Nathan Carter Lyrics


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Sailed away from the old North Wall
Travelling feet gave me the call
Leaving, a suitcase in my hand
With the price of a pint, didn't need a bite
There was good old craic on the boat that night
As we left our homes in Ireland

And the lights they flickered from the shore
The boat was rockin' to and fro
Heading for the docks in Liverpool
Oh, we sang and danced the night away
The squeeze box and the fiddle played
Steppin' off the boat in Liverpool

Rise up at the crack of dawn
Working hard the whole week long
Night-time I'd play me old guitar
And we sang together one and all
Side by side and standing tall
The craic was good down in the Liffey bar

The lights they flickered from the shore
The pub was rockin' to and fro
Down beside the docks of Liverpool
Ah, we sang and danced the night away
The squeeze box and the fiddle played
Steppin' out at night in Liverpool

Ah play it boys, hey

Now that was many years ago
Good fortune came I'll have you know
Leavin' that old suitcase in my hand
And the time has come to bid adieu
To me good old pals in Liverpool
Tomorrow I'll be back in Ireland

The lights they flickered from the shore
The boat was rockin' to and fro
Heading from the docks of Liverpool
Ah, we sang and danced the night away
The squeeze box and the fiddle played
Steppin' off the boat from Liverpool

Ah, we're steppin' off the boat from Liverpool, ooh, hey

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Nathan Carter's song "Liverpool" tell the story of a person who leaves their home in Ireland to seek opportunities and a new life in Liverpool, England. The singer boards a boat at the North Wall, equipped with only a suitcase and enough money for a pint. Despite the sense of departure and distance, there is a sense of excitement and camaraderie among the travelers on the boat, with music and laughter filling the journey.


As the boat sails towards Liverpool, the singer describes the flickering lights on the shore and the rocking of the boat, capturing the anticipation of arriving in a new place. The atmosphere onboard is filled with music, as the squeeze box and fiddle create a lively backdrop for singing and dancing. The transition from leaving Ireland to arriving in Liverpool is marked by a sense of celebration and togetherness.


In Liverpool, the singer settles into a routine of hard work during the day and music-making at night, bonding with newfound friends in the vibrant atmosphere of the Liffey bar. The flickering lights and lively scene at the pub by the docks of Liverpool become a staple of the singer's experience, representing the mix of work and joy that defines their time in the city.


The song concludes with the singer reflecting on the passing of time, the changes in fortune, and the impending return to Ireland. Despite the fond memories and connections made in Liverpool, there is a sense of closure as the singer prepares to leave, knowing that they will soon be reunited with their old friends back home. The imagery of stepping off the boat from Liverpool symbolizes the completion of a chapter in the singer's journey, capturing the bittersweet emotions of departing from a place that has become a temporary home.


Line by Line Meaning

Sailed away from the old North Wall
Departed from my hometown and started a journey


Travelling feet gave me the call
My wanderlust drove me to explore new places


Leaving, a suitcase in my hand
Starting a new chapter with just a few belongings


With the price of a pint, didn't need a bite
A simple life with good company was all I needed


There was good old craic on the boat that night
Enjoying Irish music and laughter during the journey


As we left our homes in Ireland
Leaving behind familiar places for a new adventure


And the lights they flickered from the shore
Watching the lights of home fade as we sailed away


The boat was rockin' to and fro
Feeling the movement of the boat on the water


Heading for the docks in Liverpool
Approaching a new destination full of opportunities


Oh, we sang and danced the night away
Celebrating with music and dance upon arrival at Liverpool


The squeeze box and the fiddle played
Traditional Irish instruments added to the joyful atmosphere


Steppin' off the boat in Liverpool
Embarking on a new chapter in a vibrant city


Rise up at the crack of dawn
Starting each day early and ready for hard work


Working hard the whole week long
Dedicating myself to my job without rest


Night-time I'd play me old guitar
Finding solace in music after a long day of work


And we sang together one and all
Uniting with others through song and camaraderie


Side by side and standing tall
Supporting each other and facing challenges bravely


The craic was good down in the Liffey bar
Enjoying lively conversations and laughter in a local pub


Down beside the docks of Liverpool
Spending leisure time in a bustling part of the city


Ah, we're steppin' off the boat from Liverpool, ooh, hey
Leaving Liverpool behind but carrying memories with me




Lyrics © BARDIS MUSIC, USA ATTN: PETER BARDON
Written by: Nathan Carter, Joe McShane, Margaret O'Donnell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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