At The Harbour
Renaissance Lyrics

Out at daybreak to the sun
Leaving at the very first light of day to go out on the ocean.

Seas are drifting glass
The sea is calm, serene and still, shining like glass.

The tides were turning to the storm
The currents of the ocean were changing and the storm was approaching.

Winds were moving fast
The air was speeding up and the winds were getting stronger.

Women waiting at the harbour
Women were gathered together at the harbour waiting for the men to return.

Silent stand around
They stood silently, hoping and praying for the safety of their loved ones.

Weather storms another day
They must face yet another day of treacherous and harsh weather.

For men the sea had found
The men had made a life at sea and it had become an integral part of their identity.

Fishermen were laying nets
The fishermen were working hard, setting their nets to catch fish.

The barrels spread the bait
They spread the bait in the barrels to lure fish.

The seagulls warningg echoed round
The seagulls cried out as if warning them of an impending storm.

Winds that wouldn't wait
The winds were unrelenting, coming on fast and strong.

People gathered at the harbour
Other people gathered together to see if their loved ones were returning or to work at the port.

Waiting for the tide
They were waiting for the right time when the tide was high enough to bring their boats back to shore.

Eyes half closed against the spray
Their eyes were almost closed as the waves spattered over them.

And tears they cannot hide
Some may have shed tears they couldn't hide, while others may have been filled with fear.

Hulls were creaking crashing sails
The boats creaked as the waves crash into them and the sails fluttered in the wind.

Rains were slating down
The rain was heavy and pounding down.

The oilskins flapping, decks awash
The oilskins flapped and the decks were filled with water, creating a great deal of danger.

Slanting turning round
The boats turned and tilted dangerously due to the strong winds and waves.

Thunder roaring at the harbour
Thunder roared as the storm reached the harbor and the winds became even stronger.

Women drawn in fear
The women were terrified and felt powerless.

Huddle up to wait the time
They huddled together, seeking comfort and warmth until their men return.

And pray the sky will clear
They pray that the storm subsides, the skies clear up, and the sea will be calm again.

Howling winds and the raging waves
The strong winds and raging waves were making it difficult to steer and manage the boats.

Cracked upon the boats
The boats were being battered and cracked by the force of the waves and winds.

And torn from safety, torn from life
The men were in grave danger, at risk of losing their lives due to the violent waves and winds they faced.

Men with little hope
The men at sea had little hope of survival in the midst of the devastating storm.

Ghostly echoes at the harbour
The echo of cries and voices carried by the wind can be heard at the harbor.

Whispering of death
The fear of death and the possibility of losing loved ones is ever present in their minds.

Women weeping holding hands
The women cry and comfort each other, holding hands and standing together in solidarity.

Of those they still have left
They mourn the loss of those who did not make it back to shore, but also appreciate and treasure those who survived and returned.

Shadows falling at the harbour
As the storm subsides, shadows fall at the harbor as the sun sets and darkness falls.

Weather storms another way
Future weather conditions may not be as treacherous, but fate may present them with other challenges and problems.

For men the sea have drowned
The sea became a graveyard for some of the men that went out to work on it - they drowned and never came back to their families.