Leaving of Liverpool
The High Kings Lyrics
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River Mersey, fare thee well
I am bound for 'Californi'
It's a place that I know right-well
(Chorus)
So fare thee well, my own true love
And when I return, united we will be
But my darling, when I think of thee
I have signed on a Yankee Clipper ship
'Davy Crockett' is her name
And Burgess is the Captain of her
And they say she's a floating shame
(Chorus)
I have sailed with Burgess once before
He's a man I know right-well
If a man is a sailor, he can get along
And if nothin' he is sure in Hell
(Chorus)
Now the sun is on the harbour, love
And I wish I could remain
For I know it will be a long, long time
Before I see you again
(Here we go!)
(Chorus X2)
The High Kings' song "Leaving of Liverpool" is a traditional sea shanty that is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. The song tells the story of a sailor bidding farewell to his love as he sets off on a journey to California aboard the Yankee Clipper ship, the Davy Crockett. The first verse acknowledges the departure point, Prince's Landing Stage on the River Mersey, and expresses the singer's familiarity with their destination in California. The chorus expresses the sorrow felt over the separation from the loved one but provides reassurance that they will be reunited.
The second verse gives additional details about the singer's sailing experience and the captain of the ship he has signed onto. The singer has sailed with Burgess before and knows him well, implying a level of familiarity and trust with the captain. However, the boat is also described as a "floating shame," suggesting it may be in poor condition or disreputable.
The final verse describes the singer's wish to stay with their love but acknowledges that they must leave. The mention of the sun on the harbor creates a sense of urgency and highlights the fleeting nature of their time together. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the emotional weight of the separation and the hope for a reunion in the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Fare thee well to Prince's Landing Stage
I bid goodbye to Prince's Landing Stage
River Mersey, fare thee well
I say goodbye to the River Mersey
I am bound for 'Californi'
I am headed towards California
It's a place that I know right-well
I am familiar with California
So fare thee well, my own true love
Goodbye, my beloved
And when I return, united we will be
We will be reunited when I come back
It's not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me
Leaving Liverpool isn't what saddens me
But my darling, when I think of thee
I miss you, my beloved, when I think of you
I have signed on a Yankee Clipper ship
I enlisted on a Yankee Clipper ship
'Davy Crockett' is her name
The ship's name is 'Davy Crockett'
And Burgess is the Captain of her
Her Captain is Burgess
And they say she's a floating shame
They say she's a disgraceful ship
I have sailed with Burgess once before
I have sailed with Burgess before
He's a man I know right-well
I am familiar with him
If a man is a sailor, he can get along
A man can manage if he's a sailor
And if nothin' he is sure in Hell
And if nothing else, he is certainly brave
Now the sun is on the harbour, love
The sun shines on the harbor, my love
And I wish I could remain
I wish I could stay
For I know it will be a long, long time
Because I know it will take a long time
Before I see you again
Before I see you again
(Here we go!)
(Let's go!)
(Chorus X2)
(Repeat Chorus twice)
Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.