Lowlands Away
Rufus Wainwright Kate McGarrigle Lyrics

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I dreamed a dream the other night.
Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
My love she came, dressed all in white.
Lowlands away.

I Dreamed my love came in my sleep.
Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
Her cheeks were wet, her eyes did weep .

Lowlands away.

She came to me at my bedside.
Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
All dressed in white, like some fair bride.
Lowlands away.

And bravely in her bossom fair.
Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
Her red, red rose, my love did wear.
Lowlands away.

She made no sound, no word she said.
Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
And then i knew my love was dead.
Lowlands away.

Then i awoke to hear the cry.
Lowlands, Lowlands away me John.
Oh watch on deck.

Oh watch, ahoy.
Lowlands away.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Lowlands Away" by Rufus Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle tell a hauntingly beautiful story of a dream the singer had about their lover. In the dream, the lover comes dressed in white and crying. The singer sees a red rose in their lover's bosom and knows that they are dead. The dream ends abruptly as the singer awakes to hear the cries of the watch on deck.

Through the dream, the singer seems to be grappling with the pain of loss and the fleeting nature of life. The dream world blurs with the real world, creating a sense of disorientation and confusion. The mention of "Lowlands away" throughout the song suggests that the singer is longing for something or someone far away.

Overall, "Lowlands Away" is a powerful song that explores themes of love, loss, and longing. The dream sequence creates a haunting and surreal atmosphere that draws listeners in and leaves a lasting impression.

Line by Line Meaning

I dreamed a dream the other night.
I had a dream the other night.

Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
Going to the lowlands, leaving.

My love she came, dressed all in white.
My significant other came to me, wearing white clothes.

Lowlands away.
Leaving for the lowlands.

She came to me at my bedside.
She stood next to me while I was in bed.

Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
Going to the lowlands, leaving.

All dressed in white, like some fair bride.
Wearing white clothes, like a beautiful bride.

Lowlands away.
Leaving for the lowlands.

And bravely in her bossom fair.
She wore a red rose on her chest with bravery.

Lowlands, lowlands away me John.
Going to the lowlands, leaving.

Her red, red rose, my love did wear.
My significant other wore a red rose on her chest.