Sorrow
Peter & Paul And Mary Lyrics
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I've seen trouble all my day
I'm going back to California,
Place where I was partly raised.
All through this world, I'm bound to ramble.
Through storm and wind, through sleet and rain
I'm bound to ride that northern railroad,
Your friends they say I am a stranger.
You'll never see my face no more.
There is just one promise that's given.
We'll sail on God's Golden Shore.
I am a man of constant sorrow,
I've seen trouble all my day
I'm going back to California,
Place where I was partly raised.
The song "Sorrow" by Peter, Paul, and Mary is a classic folk song that talks about the struggles of a man who has seen trouble all his life. The lyrics talk about his plan of going back to California, the place where he was partly raised, and his desire to travel through different parts of the world, no matter the weather conditions. The song also touches on the idea that the man is a stranger to his friends and they will never see his face again except for the promise of sailing on God's Golden Shore.
The lyrics of the song suggest that the man has gone through a lot of difficult experiences in his life. He has seen sorrow everywhere he goes but he is constantly looking for new adventures, perhaps as a way to escape his troubles. The line, "All through this world, I'm bound to ramble. Through storm and wind, through sleet and rain," suggests that the man is willing to go through any weather conditions just to experience new things.
The lyrics also show that the man is not well-known by his friends. They consider him a stranger, which suggests that the man has been on the move for a long time. However, despite not being well-known, he leaves behind a promise that they will all meet on God's Golden Shore.
Overall, "Sorrow" is a beautiful song that talks about the struggles of a man who has seen trouble all his life. It is a classic folk song that has touched the hearts of many over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a man of constant sorrow;
I have had a lifetime of pain and difficulty that has left me in a state of perpetual sadness and sorrow.
I've seen trouble all my day
Throughout my life, I have experienced numerous hardships and setbacks that have caused me great distress and sorrow.
I'm going back to California,
I am returning to a place that holds some sentimental or nostalgic value to me, where I may find some comfort or solace.
Place where I was partly raised.
A location that I have some semblance of a connection to, potentially from my childhood or formative years, that could offer me some emotional respite.
All through this world, I'm bound to ramble.
I am destined to wander aimlessly throughout this world, never quite finding a place to settle down or call home.
Through storm and wind, through sleet and rain
No matter the circumstances or obstacles, I will persevere through it all, facing any challenges that come my way.
I'm bound to ride that northern railroad,
I am fated to travel on a specific path or journey, likely one that is filled with hardship and uncertainty.
Perhaps I'll take the very next train.
I am open to any opportunity that presents itself and am willing to take a chance on the unknown if it means finding some semblance of peace or contentment.
Your friends they say I am a stranger.
The people around you may view me as an outsider or someone who is not a part of your inner circle.
You'll never see my face no more.
Despite the potential distance between us, the fact remains that our paths may not cross again, causing us to go our separate ways.
There is just one promise that's given.
Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, there is one certainty that we can hold onto.
We'll sail on God's Golden Shore.
Regardless of what happens in life, we can trust that there is a higher power that will guide us and offer us solace and comfort.
Writer(s): PETER YARROW, PAUL STOOKEY
Contributed by Keira G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.