Lyrics
I was born in Portland town
I came into existence in Portland town.
I was born in Portland town
Reiteration of being born in Portland town.
Yes I was, yes I was,
Affirmation of the previous statement about being born in Portland town.
Yes I was.
Confirmation and emphasis on the fact of being born in Portland town.
I was born in Portland town,
Repetition of the declaration of birthplace, possibly for emphasis.
Got married in Portland town,
Stating that the speaker got married in Portland town.
Yes I did, yes I did,
Affirmation of the marriage in Portland town.
Yes, I did.
Confirmation and emphasis on the marriage in Portland town.
Got married in Portland town,
Reiteration of getting married in Portland town.
Had children one, two, three,
Expressing the speaker's role as a parent with three children.
Yes I did, yes I did,
Affirmation of having three children.
Yes, I did.
Confirmation and emphasis on having three children.
They sent them away to war,
Referring to the sending of the children to war.
Ain't got no kids no more,
Expressing the loss of the children due to war.
No I ain't, no I ain't,
Emphatic denial of having kids after they went to war.
No, I ain't.
Confirmation of the absence of children after the war.
I was born in Portland town,
Reiteration of being born in Portland town.
I was born in Portland town,
Repetition for emphasis on the birthplace.
Yes I was, yes I was,
Affirmation of being born in Portland town.
Yes, I was.
Confirmation and emphasis on the speaker's birthplace.
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