Wish the Wars Were All Over
Longing in Harmony: A Lover's Prayer for Peace
Lyrics
Down by deep waters, where the sweet linden stand,
Describing a location by deep waters with sweet linden trees, setting the scene.
I saw pretty Polly, wringing her hands.
Observing Polly in distress, expressing her sorrow through hand-wringing.
The song that she sang made the whole grove to ring.
Highlighting the emotional impact of Polly's song, resonating throughout the grove.
My Billy has left me, to fight for a King.
Polly reveals that her partner, Billy, has left to fight for a king in a war.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Expressing a desire for an end to all wars, possibly reflecting on the pain caused by separation.
I stood in amazement to hear what she said,
Speaker is amazed by Polly's determination to follow Billy, regardless of his fate.
I'll follow my Billy, whether living or dead.
Polly is committed to following Billy, emphasizing her loyalty and love.
The notes that she sung were the nightingale's notes.
Comparing Polly's song to the melodious notes of nightingales, highlighting the beauty in her expression.
How the Lark and the Linnet, they warble their throats.
Referencing other birds like the lark and linnet, emphasizing the variety of sounds in nature.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Repeating the wish for an end to all wars, underscoring the longing for peace.
I said, My dear Polly, if you'll stay with me,
Speaker offers happiness to Polly if she stays, suggesting an alternative to following Billy.
I'll make you as happy, as happy can be.
Polly rejects the offer, insisting on her happiness being tied to reuniting with Billy.
No, then she said, That never can be
Polly asserts that happiness is impossible without Billy, emphasizing her deep devotion.
I'll never be happy till my Billy I see.
Reiterating Polly's unwavering commitment to finding and being with Billy.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Expressing the ongoing wish for an end to wars, reinforcing the theme of longing for peace.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Repeating the desire for an end to wars, emphasizing the speaker's heartfelt wish.
Now from my parents, I'll hasten away.
Polly plans to leave her parents and adopt a young man's appearance to search for Billy.
I'll dress myself out in a young man's array.
Describing Polly's intention to present herself as a young man, possibly to join the war effort or blend in.
And every company that I pass by,
Expressing Polly's determination to inquire about Billy in every company she encounters.
I'll ask for my Billy, or where he does lie.
Polly's commitment to seeking information about Billy's whereabouts remains strong.
And every company that I pass by,
Reiteration of Polly's plan to inquire about Billy in every company she encounters.
I'll ask for my Billy, or where he does lie.
Continued emphasis on Polly's persistence in searching for Billy.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Repeating the wish for the wars to end, reinforcing the overarching theme of yearning for peace.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Reiterating the desire for an end to wars, emphasizing the speaker's earnest wish for peace.
And I wish the wars were all over.
Final repetition of the wish for the wars to be over, leaving the listener with a lingering desire for peace.
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