The Leaving Of Liverpool

Het lied is een traditional en gaat over het afscheid van Liverpool. De meeste handel op Amerika liep via deze grote havenstad aan de rivier de Mersey. De oudste notatie is afkomstig van Dick Maitland, bootsman aan boord van het Amerikaanse schip General Knox, waar hij rond 1885 het lied voor het eerst hoorde.

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Fare thee well to you, my own true love,

I am sailing far away.

I am bound for California,

And I hope that I'll return some day.

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So fare thee well, my own true love,

And when I return, united we will be;

It's not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me,

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;

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I have sailed with Burgess once before,

And I think I know him well.

If a man's a salor then he might get along,

But if not, why, then he's sure in hell.

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Fare thee well to Lower Frederick Street,

Anson Terrace and old Park Lane.

For I know it will be a long, long time,

Before I see you again

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I am bound for California,

By way of the stormy Cape Horn

I will write to you a letter, love,

When I am home-ward bound.

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Oh, the sun is shining on the harbour wall,

And I wish I could remain.

For I know it will be a long, long time,

Before I see you again.

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