Leaving of Liverpool
The Windjammers Lyrics
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River Mersey, fare thee well
I am bound for California
A place I know right well
So fare thee well, my own true love
When I return united we will be
It's not the leaving of Liverpool that's grieving me
I'm bound off for California
By the way of stormy Cape Horn
And I'm bound to write you a letter, love
When I am homeward bound
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 Hell
I have shipped with Burgess once before
And I think I know him well
If a man's a seaman, he can get along
If not, then he's sure in Hell
Farewell to lower Frederick Street
Ensign Terrace and Park Lane
For I think it will be a long, long time
Before I see you again
Oh the sun is on the harbour, love
And I wish I could remain
For I know it will be a long, long time
Till I see you again
The lyrics of "Leaving of Liverpool" by The Windjammers tell the story of a sailor bidding farewell to his beloved as he embarks on a journey to California. The song captures the conflicting emotions of the singer, who is torn between the excitement of exploring new horizons and the pain of leaving his true love behind.
The opening lines, "Farewell to Prince's Landing Stage, River Mersey, fare thee well," depict the sailor bidding goodbye to his home and the familiar sights of Liverpool. He expresses his longing for California, a place he knows well and where he is bound to travel. However, despite his eagerness for the journey, he assures his true love that they will be united again upon his return.
The sailor reflects on his feelings, stating that it is not the act of leaving Liverpool that grieves him, but rather the thoughts of his beloved. He is bound for California, taking the treacherous route around Cape Horn, and promises to write a letter to his love when he is homeward bound.
The lyrics also mention the ship he has signed on, the Yankee Clipper ship named Davy Crockett. The singer reveals that he has sailed with the ship's captain, Burgess, before, giving him a sense of familiarity. He acknowledges that a skilled seaman can get along well in such circumstances, whereas others may struggle. In the final verses, he bids farewell to the streets of Liverpool, expressing both the beauty of the harbor and his longing to stay, while acknowledging it will be a considerable amount of time before he can reunite with his love.
Overall, "Leaving of Liverpool" captures the emotions of a sailor undertaking a dangerous journey, torn between his longing for adventure and his love back home.
Line by Line Meaning
Farewell to Prince's Landing Stage
Goodbye to the dock where the ships depart from
River Mersey, fare thee well
Goodbye to the River Mersey
I am bound for California
I am heading towards California
A place I know right well
A place I am familiar with
So fare thee well, my own true love
Goodbye, my beloved
When I return united we will be
We will be together when I come back
It's not the leaving of Liverpool that's grieving me
It's not the act of leaving Liverpool that makes me sad
But my darling when I think of thee
But, my beloved, when I think of you
I'm bound off for California
I am sailing towards California
By the way of stormy Cape Horn
Passing through the treacherous Cape Horn
And I'm bound to write you a letter, love
And I promise to send you a letter, my love
When I am homeward bound
When I am returning home
I have signed on a Yankee Clipper ship
I have enlisted on a fast American ship
Davy Crockett is her name
Her name is Davy Crockett
And Burgess is the Captain of her
And Captain Burgess is in charge of the ship
And they say she's a floating Hell
People claim that she is a terrible ship to be on
I have shipped with Burgess once before
I have sailed with Captain Burgess in the past
And I think I know him well
And I believe I am familiar with his ways
If a man's a seaman, he can get along
If a man is a skilled sailor, he can manage
If not, then he's sure in Hell
Otherwise, he will have a terrible time
Farewell to lower Frederick Street
Goodbye to the lower part of Frederick Street
Ensign Terrace and Park Lane
Goodbye to Ensign Terrace and Park Lane
For I think it will be a long, long time
Because I believe it will be a significant amount of time
Before I see you again
Before I have the chance to see you once more
Oh the sun is on the harbour, love
Oh, my love, the sun is shining on the harbor
And I wish I could remain
And I wish I could stay here
For I know it will be a long, long time
Because I am aware it will be quite a while
Till I see you again
Until I have the opportunity to see you again
Writer(s): Liam Clancy, Pat Clancy, Tom Clancy
Contributed by Mason F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.