in the 70s, Williamson moved to California and formed Robin Williamson & His Merry Band with Sylvia Woods (Celtic harp), Jerry McMillan (fiddle), and Chris Caswell (flutes, and wire-strung harp), following more Celtic roots directions in his music. By this time, he had already contributed to over a dozen albums, toured widely and written fiddle and penny whistle tutors. By the 80s, Williamson was concentrating on harp music.
In 1993, Williamson recorded with British guitarist John Renbourn as John Renbourn & Robin Williamson.
On the three most recent ECM albums, a group of distinguished jazz musicians accompany Williamson notably violist Mat Maneri, bassist Barre Phillips, Swedish multi-instrumentalist Ale Möller, percussionist Ches Smith and English sax player Paul Dunmall.
Cold Harbour
Robin Williamson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Robin Williamson: Guitar and vocals.
Please never name yourself to me
Enough lies we see
Even the moonlight
Of all the beauty you have made
And shared with me
You are my pride
To think I once though you had died
In cold harbour
it seems there will be no more goodbyes
For you and I
Dearest companions
there's time to wipe away what went before
To give away what you have stored
And moor no more moor no more
In cold harbour
it seems there will be no journey's end
For you and I
Dearest companions
mother and I we have been singing all we can
I know that you will understand
You can be so strong and kind
No one will be left behind
When we leave
Cold harbour
Cold harbour
Hard hard haven.
The lyrics of Robin Williamson's song 'Cold Harbour' are quite abstract and open to interpretation, but on a surface level, it seems to be about a close relationship that has been damaged by lies and betrayal. Williamson begins by requesting the other person never to reveal their name to him again since he has had enough of their deception. Even the moonlight seems to represent a false light that cannot be trusted. Williamson then implores the person to rest under his created shade, a metaphor for the protective and nurturing aspect of their relationship. He remembers how he once thought that the person he's addressing had died in Cold Harbour, which could be a place of isolation or isolation of emotions.
However, despite the pain they have gone through, Williamson's tone shifts, and he becomes hopeful. There will be no more goodbyes, and they can start anew, leaving behind the past and the mooring that held them in place. They can be strong and kind, and more importantly, no one will be left behind when they eventually leave Cold Harbour. The final line of the song reads, 'Hard hard haven,' which is a play on words – 'harbour' and 'haven.' It could signify a difficult haven or a harsh port.
Overall, the song seems to highlight the importance of trust, taking the time to heal, and the possibility of starting anew after experiencing betrayal. Williamson's use of nature metaphors and imagery adds to the themes of protection, healing, and renewal, making it a powerful and moving song.
Line by Line Meaning
Please never name yourself to me
Don't ever tell me your name, since we've both been dishonest with each other in the past
Enough lies we see
We've both told enough lies already, let's be honest with each other now
Even the moonlight
Even the moonlight can't hide our past mistakes and dishonesty
come rest, rest awhile beneath the shade
Take a break and rest in the shade, away from the stresses of life
Of all the beauty you have made
Reflect on all the good things you've done in life and the beauty you've created
And shared with me
And share those experiences with me
You are my pride
I'm proud to be with you and share this moment with you
To think I once thought you had died
I'm grateful that you're alive and here with me now
In cold harbour
Despite the difficult times we've faced, we've made it through together
it seems there will be no more goodbyes
We don't have to say goodbye anymore, we're in this together for the long haul
For you and I
We're in this together, as a team
Dearest companions
We're close friends and loyal companions on this journey through life
there's time to wipe away what went before
We have time to make amends for the past and start fresh
To give away what you have stored
Let's be generous and give away our possessions to those in need
And moor no more moor no more
We don't have to keep ourselves anchored to the past, we can move forward
In cold harbour
Despite any hardships we've faced, this place will always be a reminder of our shared experiences and bond
it seems there will be no journey's end
Our journey through life will continue, but we'll face it together as friends
For you and I
We're in this together, through thick and thin
Dearest companions
We're close friends who will always support each other
mother and I we have been singing all we can
My mother and I have been singing together, and I hope you'll join our song
I know that you will understand
I trust that you'll appreciate our music and what it represents
You can be so strong and kind
I admire your strength and kindness as a person
No one will be left behind
We'll make sure that no one is left out or forgotten, everyone will be included
When we leave
When our journey comes to an end
Cold harbour
This place will always hold a special significance for us, reminding us of our shared experiences and bond
Cold harbour
Despite the cold and difficult times we've faced here, it will always be a symbol of our strength and resilience
Hard hard haven.
This place may have been tough, but it's also been a haven for us, a place where we've found solace and support
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@goodcitizenmediagroup4093
Robin Williamson, one of the great mad geniuses of "acid folk", here in full bloom post Incredible String Band. This could almost be an ISB album if there were any ISB members besides Robin on the record. Great Work!
@johndolton1170
Williamson is one of very few true geniuses in modern music outside of the "classical" genre
@JadawindiAtheia
By Robin Williamson
Robin Williamson: Guitar and vocals.
Please never name yourself to me
Enough lies we see
Even the moonlight
come rest, rest awhile beneath the shade
Of all the beauty you have made
And shared with me
You are my pride
To think I once though you had died
In cold harbour
it seems there will be no more goodbyes
For you and I
Dearest companions
there's time to wipe away what went before
To give away what you have stored
And moor no more moor no more
In cold harbour
it seems there will be no journey's end
For you and I
Dearest companions
mother and I we have been singing all we can
I know that you will understand
You can be so strong and kind
No one will be left behind
When we leave
Cold harbour
Cold harbour
Hard hard haven.