Ralph McTell is probably best known for the song Streets of London which has been covered by over a hundred artists around the world. From Clare to Here has proved almost as popular, during a long and continuing recording and performing career.
McTell's guitar style has been influenced by many of the USA's country blues 'Piedmont- style' guitar players of the early 20th century, including Blind Blake and Blind Willie McTell, from whom he took his name.
I'M SORRY
Ralph McTell Lyrics
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I wouldn't take that evening train,
Or tell you it's goodbye again.
But it would be so wrong of me to stay.
If I find another way that couldn't be the same,
She'd never call me by my name
The way you do, but it's me I blame
If I try and make you see that things aren't what we plan
And I say goodbye and touch your hand.
I know that you won't understand
The pain is just as great for me.
If I find another way that couldn't be the same,
She'd never call me by my name
The way you do, but it's me I blame
And I'm sorry I must leave.
In Ralph McTell's song "I'm Sorry I Must Leave You," the lyrics speak of an internal conflict within the singer of the song. The first verse presents the singer's desire to find another way to avoid causing pain to the person they are speaking to. However, the second verse reveals that the singer feels responsible for the pain they are causing and must apologize for leaving. The singer acknowledges that leaving may not be understood by the other person and that it is equally painful for them. The last verse echoes the second, emphasizing the guilt the singer feels for leaving.
The song's theme is one of wanting to avoid causing pain while understanding the inevitability of doing so. The lyrics offer insight into the decision to leave a loved one, especially when that departure is painful for both parties. Despite the emotional consequences, the singer recognizes the importance of doing what is best for themselves and the other person involved, even if it is challenging and requires sacrifice.
Overall, McTell's song presents a conflicting scenario that many people encounter in their lives. The lyrics highlight the importance of being honest and upfront in difficult situations, even if that honesty could hurt others. The singer's decision suggests that sometimes taking care of oneself means stepping back from a relationship that may not be working, despite deep emotions and attachments involved.
Line by Line Meaning
If I find another way to save you all this pain
If I can come up with a solution to spare you from all of this suffering
I wouldn't take that evening train,
I wouldn't leave by the train that departs in the evening
Or tell you it's goodbye again.
Or inform you that we're saying goodbye once more
But it would be so wrong of me to stay.
However, it would be morally incorrect for me to remain here
If I find another way that couldn't be the same,
If there was another method that was distinct from the current one
She'd never call me by my name
She'd never refer to me with my given name
The way you do, but it's me I blame
The way you do, but I fault myself
And I'm sorry I must leave.
And I apologize for having to depart.
If I try and make you see that things aren't what we plan
If I attempt to demonstrate to you that things do not always go according to our blueprints
And I say goodbye and touch your hand.
And when I say farewell and grasp your hand.
I know that you won't understand
I know that you won't fully comprehend
The pain is just as great for me.
The agony is just as intense for me.
Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC
Written by: RALPH MC TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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