Gone
Peter Peters Lyrics
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Performer：Peter, Paul & Mary
Composer ：Peter Yarrow / Mary Travers / Noel Paul Stookey / Milton Okun
Lyricist ：Peter Yarrow / Mary Travers / Noel Paul Stookey / Milton Okun
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
When I saw my sally babby beal
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
Here I sit on buttermilk hill
Who could blame me cry my fill
Every tear would turn a mill
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
When I saw my sally babby beal
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
I sold my flax I sold my wheel
To buy my love a sword of steel
So it in battle he might wield
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
When I saw my sally babby beal
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
Oh my baby oh my love
Gone the rainbow gone the dove
Your father was my only love
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
When I saw my sally babby beal
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
When I saw my sally babby beal
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
The song "Gone the Rainbow" by Peter, Paul & Mary tells the story of a young woman, referred to as Sally, who is deeply saddened by the departure of her loved one, Johnny, who has gone off to join the military. The lyrics are a blend of nonsensical sounds and phrases that add a sense of whimsy to the song.
The repeated lines "Shule shule shule-a-roo, Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo" are nonsensical and serve as a sort of lullaby or comforting refrain throughout the song. They create a soothing rhythm and emphasize the emotional state of the singer.
The lines "Here I sit on buttermilk hill, Who could blame me cry my fill" convey the singer's loneliness and heartache. Sitting alone on a hill, she cries to the point that her tears could turn a mill, symbolizing the depth of her sorrow. These lines express the universal experience of longing for a loved one who is far away.
In the following lines, the singer explains that she sold her flax and wheel to buy Johnny a sword, hoping it will protect him in battle. This shows her devotion and the sacrifices she is willing to make for him. The repetition of "Johnny's gone for a soldier" highlights the central theme of the song: the painful separation caused by military service.
The final verse reveals that the singer had a child with Johnny, signified by the phrase "my baby, my love." The rainbow and the dove, symbols of hope and peace, are gone along with Johnny. The mention of the child's father being her only love implies that the singer's relationship with Johnny was a significant and profound one.
Overall, "Gone the Rainbow" is a poignant and emotional folk song that explores themes of love, loss, longing, and sacrifice. It portrays the pain experienced by those left behind as their loved ones go off to war and showcases the enduring power of love and the yearning for hope and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Shule shule shule-a-roo
A repetitive, soothing chant to create a comforting atmosphere
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Further continuation of the rhythmic chant, adding to the calming effect
When I saw my sally babby beal
Referring to the singer's beloved, Sally, with affection and endearment
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
Inviting Sally to join in the joyful and carefree atmosphere
Here I sit on buttermilk hill
Expressing the artist's desolate state, feeling alone and abandoned
Who could blame me cry my fill
Acknowledging that it is understandable to cry and express sadness in such a situation
Every tear would turn a mill
Symbolizing the abundance of tears shed, emphasizing the depth of sorrow
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Revealing that Johnny, the artist's loved one, has left to serve as a soldier, causing heartache
I sold my flax, I sold my wheel
The artist sacrificed personal possessions, highlighting the lengths they went to support their loved one
To buy my love a sword of steel
Using the proceeds to purchase a weapon, indicating the artist's desire for Johnny to be protected in battle
So it in battle he might wield
Hoping that Johnny will wield the sword with skill and bravery while fighting
Oh my baby oh my love
Expressing affectionate terms towards the artist's loved one, emphasizing the emotional connection
Gone the rainbow, gone the dove
Symbolizing the loss of happiness and peace, as if the colorful rainbow and peaceful dove have vanished
Your father was my only love
Revealing that Johnny is the child of the singer, showcasing the deep bond between them
Shule shule shule-a-roo
Continuing the previous chant, maintaining the soothing atmosphere
Shule-a-rak-shak shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Repeating the rhythmic chant to provide comfort and solace
When I saw my sally babby beal
Referencing Sally once again, displaying the artist's longing and affection for her
Come bibble in the boo shy lorey
Encouraging Sally to join in the joyful and carefree atmosphere once more
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARY ALLIN TRAVERS, MILTON T. OKUN, NOEL PAUL STOOKEY, PETER YARROW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind