Audio Samples

Farewell to Liverpool (Fare Thee Well, My Own True Love)

A folk song and sea chanty, this piece tells of a sailor departing on a long journey to California. It was especially popular during the folk music revival of the 1940s-1960s, and was recorded by The Dubliners and The Pogues. It was adapted by Bob Dylan for his song "Farewell." It can be used at any time during a wedding ceremony, and is especially appropriate if the couple has Irish heritage. I also play this piece for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

This piece can be played on pedal harp or lever harp.

Lyrics

Farewell to Princes' landing stage 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 grieves me
But my darling when I think of thee

Farewell to Lower Frederick Street, Anson Terrace and Park Lane
I am bound away for to leave you and I'll never see you again
So fare thee well my own true love
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 am bound for California by way of stormy Cape Horn
And I will write to thee a letter, love, when I am homeward bound
So fare thee well my own true love
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