Liverpool 8
Ringo Starr Lyrics


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[Verse 1]
I was a sailor first, I sailed the sea
Then I got a job, in a factory
Played Butlin's Camp with my friend Rory
It was good for him, it was great for me

[Chorus]
Liverpool I left you, said 'goodbye' to Madryn Street
I always followed my heart, and I never missed a beat
Destiny was calling, I just couldn't stick around
Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down

[Verse 2]
Went to Hamburg, the red lights were on
With George & Paul, and my friend John
We rocked all night, we all looked tough
We didn't have much, but we had enough

[Chorus]
Liverpool I left you, said 'goodbye' to Madryn Street
I always followed my heart, and I never missed a beat
Destiny was calling, I just couldn't stick around
Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down

[Verse 3]
In the U.S.A. when we played Shea
We were Number One, and it was fun
When I look back, it sure was cool
For those Four Boys from Liverpool

[Chorus]
Liverpool I left you, said 'goodbye' to Admiral Grove
I always followed my heart, so I took it on the road
Destiny was calling, I just couldn't stick around
Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down





La la la la la la....Liverpool

Overall Meaning

In Ringo Starr's song Liverpool 8, he reflects on his past experiences and how they shaped him as a person. The song is essentially a nostalgic tribute to his hometown, which he left behind to pursue his dreams. In the opening verse, he describes his early years as a sailor and factory worker before transitioning to becoming a musician. He mentions playing Butlin's Camp with his friend Rory, which was a popular holiday camp chain in the UK where many musicians cut their teeth performing.


The chorus is the heart of the song, which sees Ringo bidding farewell to his hometown and embracing the new opportunities that come his way. Destiny is calling, and he feels compelled to follow the path it leads him down. Despite leaving Liverpool, Ringo stresses that he never forgot where he came from, and it will always hold a special place in his heart.


The second verse is about his time in Hamburg, Germany, where he played with George, Paul, and John. It was here where the Beatles honed their skills and developed their sound, which would later make them famous. They played long hours, rocked all night, and didn't have much, but it was enough to keep them going. The final verse mentions when they were on top of the world, playing Shea Stadium in the U.S.A. and being the number one band in the world. Ringo looks back on those days fondly and thanks Liverpool for being the place that made it all possible.


Overall, Liverpool 8 is an ode to Ringo's hometown, which was a significant influence on his life. He left, as many before and after him, but he never forgot where he came from and how it shaped him into the person he is today.


Line by Line Meaning

I was a sailor first, I sailed the sea
I started my career as a sailor and spent a lot of time traveling through different parts of the world on ships.


Then I got a job, in a factory
Later on, I decided to switch to a factory job where I could have a stable source of income and not have to worry about the dangers of life on the high seas.


Played Butlin's Camp with my friend Rory
I had the opportunity to perform with my friend Rory at Butlin's Camp, which was a great experience for both of us.


It was good for him, it was great for me
While the performance may have helped Rory more than me, it was still a positive experience that I look back on fondly.


Liverpool I left you, said 'goodbye' to Madryn Street
I said farewell to my hometown of Liverpool and my childhood street, Madryn Street, as I embarked on my journey to pursue my dreams and destiny elsewhere.


I always followed my heart, and I never missed a beat
Throughout my life and career, I have always trusted my instincts and followed my heart, and that has led me to many great opportunities and experiences.


Destiny was calling, I just couldn't stick around
I felt a strong pull towards my future and my destiny, which led me to leave Liverpool and pursue my dreams elsewhere, even though it was a difficult decision to make.


Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down
Even though I left Liverpool, I am proud of where I come from and have always honored my roots in my music and my life.


Went to Hamburg, the red lights were on
I traveled to Hamburg with my friends George, Paul, and John to perform, and experienced the city's famous red-light district while we were there.


With George & Paul, and my friend John
I was lucky enough to have the talented George and Paul in my life as well as my dear friend John, with whom I shared many amazing experiences.


We rocked all night, we all looked tough
We put on some amazing performances in Hamburg, and even though we may have looked like scrappy young musicians, we had a lot of confidence in our abilities.


We didn't have much, but we had enough
Even though we may not have had a lot of money or resources at the time, we were happy with what we had and made the most of our opportunities.


Liverpool I left you, said 'goodbye' to Admiral Grove
When I left Liverpool again, I said farewell to Admiral Grove, another street that holds many memories for me.


I always followed my heart, so I took it on the road
Once again, I trusted my instincts and took to the road to pursue my music career and see where it would take me next.


La la la la la la....Liverpool
As always, Liverpool will always have a special place in my heart, and I will never forget where I come from.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVE STEWART, RICHARD (RINGO STARR) STARKEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@deankay8894

When Ringo and Paul are gone, some of the joy will leave the world...magic!

@benichsthepheonix4418

Dean Kay I think about that sometimes when all the great rock legends pass away I don’t like thinking about that but I know it’s gonna have one day

@dog453679

Touching, isn't it? Well it goes to show you that you can take a guy out of Liverpool, but you can't take Liverpool out of a guy. You made your town proud, Ringo. You, and the rest of the Beatles. Well done, Ringo. (smiles.)

@pinkbeatle2012

He once said he didn't miss liverpool so he let us all down

@essexpeter6116

@@pinkbeatle2012 He might have felt that at that point in time?

@whatthejim

This is one is best comments I’ve seen, peace and love!!!!😃👍☮️❤️

@williamrowlett740

@@pinkbeatle2012 I left Dallas, TX and I don't miss it a bit. I moved to Houston. I don't think I let that snobatorium down a bit and I doubt they miss me.

@smooci5271

“Destiny was calling, I just couldn’t stick around” hits so hard

@whatthejim

Happy 82nd Birthday Ringo Starr and I hope you have an AMAZING one! PEACE AND LOVE!!!!😃👍☮️❤️

@xboxbot1203

I think Ringo has a underrated solo career. Sure he doesn’t have as many big hits as the others after the Beatles but he has some great music still.

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