My Donald
Sailing Hearts: A Tale of Love and Longing on the Open Sea
Lyrics
My Donald he works on the sea
Donald is employed in maritime work.
Where the waves they blow wild and free
Describes the unpredictable and unrestrained nature of the sea waves.
He splices the ropes, he sets the sail,
Donald is involved in the practical tasks of ship maintenance.
Southward he goes, in search of the whale.
He sails southward on a quest for whales.
He never thinks of me left behind
Donald doesn't dwell on the separation from the speaker.
Nor the torments that rage in my mind
The speaker experiences emotional torment due to the separation.
He's mine for only half part of the year
Donald's commitment is only for part of the year.
Then leaves me behind, with nothing but a tear.
He leaves the speaker with sorrow and tears during the rest of the year.
Oh you ladies who smell the wild rose
Addressing other women, suggesting they consider the consequences of a man's pursuits.
Think for the perfume to where a man goes
Suggests women think about the places men go and the associated challenges.
Think of the women, the children that yearn
Encourages empathy for the women and children waiting for the men who may not return.
For men never return from hunting the sperm.
Highlights the risks and uncertainties of whaling, emphasizing the potential loss of men.
Oh my Donald he works on the sea
Reiteration of Donald's occupation at sea.
Where the waves they blow wild and free
Repeats the description of the untamed sea waves.
He splices the ropes, he sets the sail,
Restates Donald's involvement in maritime tasks.
Southward he goes, in search of the whale.
Reaffirms his journey southward in pursuit of whales.
Comment