Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Bonnie Ship the Diamond
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the quay it is all garnished with bonny lassies 'round
The Captain gives the order to sail the ocean wide
Where the sun it never sets my lads no darkness dims the tide
[Chorus]
So cheer up my lads let your hearts never fail
While the Bonnie Ship the Diamond goes fishin' for the whale
Along the quay at Peterhead, the lassies stand around
With their shawls about their heads and salt tears runnin' down
I'll never weep my bonny lad though I'm left behind
For there's not a rose on Greenland's ice to make you change your mind
[Chorus]
Here's a health to the Resolution likewise the Eliza Swan
A health to the Battler of Montrose and the Diamond ship of fame
They wear the trousers of the white the jackets of the blue
When they return to Peterhead they'll find that we've been true
[Chorus]
It'll be bright both day and night when the Greenland lads come home
With a ship that's full of oil my lads and money to their name
They'll make the cradles for to rock and the blankets for to tear
And every lass in Peterhead sing hush-a-bye my dear
[Chorus]
The lyrics of "Bonnie Ship the Diamond" by Roger McGuinn describe a ship called the Diamond on its way to Greenland for a fishing expedition. The quay is full of beautiful women, bidding farewell to the crew. The Captain orders the ship to set sail, where it will experience a constant daylight, with the sun never setting due to the ship’s location. The chorus reflects the optimism of the crew as they set out on their journey, despite the potential dangers they may face.
The second verse talks about the scene at Peterhead, where women are weeping at the departure of their loved ones. However, the singer says she won’t cry for her love, as even the rose gardens of Greenland are not enough to make him stay. The third verse is a toast to other ships like the Resolution, the Eliza Swan, and the Battler of Montrose, and reflects on the pride the crew takes in being part of the Diamond. The final verse celebrates the return of the Greenland lads to Peterhead, where they’ll be welcomed back, rich with their catch and prepared to settle down with their families.
Overall, "Bonnie Ship the Diamond" is a tribute to the fishing industry, the adventurers who undertake these dangerous voyages, and the loved ones who support them from home. The song is a reminder of the romantic and adventurous side of seafaring and addresses the importance of hope in the face of potentially adverse outcomes.
Line by Line Meaning
The Diamond is a ship my boys, for Greenland she is bound
The ship Diamond is heading to Greenland
And the quay it is all garnished with bonny lassies 'round
The dock is decorated with pretty ladies
The Captain gives the order to sail the ocean wide
The captain commands to set sail across the wide ocean.
Where the sun it never sets my lads no darkness dims the tide
The sun never sets, and the strong tide never lessens.
So cheer up my lads let your hearts never fail
Be cheerful, my friends, and never lose heart.
While the Bonnie Ship the Diamond goes fishin' for the whale
The Diamond is fishing for a whale.
Along the quay at Peterhead, the lassies stand around
Ladies stand on the dock at Peterhead
With their shawls about their heads and salt tears runnin' down
The women cry with shawls over their heads.
I'll never weep my bonny lad though I'm left behind
I won't cry even if I'm left behind
For there's not a rose on Greenland's ice to make you change your mind
There is nothing in Greenland that can make you change your mind
Here's a health to the Resolution likewise the Eliza Swan
Toast to Resolution and Eliza Swan ships
A health to the Battler of Montrose and the Diamond ship of fame
Cheers for Battler of Montrose and famous Diamond ship
They wear the trousers of the white the jackets of the blue
White trousers and blue jackets are worn by the crew
When they return to Peterhead they'll find that we've been true
When they come back to Peterhead, they'll see our loyalty
It'll be bright both day and night when the Greenland lads come home
It will be bright all day and night when the Greenland fishermen return
With a ship that's full of oil my lads and money to their name
With the ship full of oil and money to their names
They'll make the cradles for to rock and the blankets for to tear
They will swing cradles and tear blankets
And every lass in Peterhead sing hush-a-bye my dear
Every lady in Peterhead will sing hush-a-bye my dear
So cheer up my lads let your hearts never fail
So, be cheerful, my friends, and never lose heart.
While the Bonnie Ship the Diamond goes fishin' for the whale
The Diamond is fishing for a whale.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DP, JUDY COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind