The Voyage of the Sirius
Voyage of Courage: A Sea Odyssey Beyond the Horizon
Lyrics
The Sirius was a noble ship, she sailed the ocean wide
The Sirius was a distinguished ship that navigated vast oceans.
She steamed from Passage to New York, and then she steamed on home to Cork
It traveled from Passage to New York and returned to Cork, marking a significant journey.
She was the first to make that trip, the Sirius was a famous ship
The Sirius was renowned for being the first ship to complete this particular voyage.
She sailed the ocean wide
Reiteration of the Sirius sailing across wide oceans.
Oh the wise man said you would as soon send a sailor to the moon
Expressing skepticism about crossing the Atlantic using steam, comparing it to sending a sailor to the moon.
As cross the wild Atlantic by steam boys, by steam
Highlighting the perceived difficulty of crossing the Atlantic using steam.
But Captain Roberts he was brave, he liberated many slaves
Captain Roberts, the brave captain of the Sirius, liberated many slaves and pursued slave traders at sea.
Chased them slavers round the sea, he was brave he had to be
Emphasizing Captain Roberts' courage and the necessity of his bravery.
He steamed on home to Passage West, set out on his golden quest
Captain Roberts returned home to Passage West after a successful quest.
The wise man said you would as soon, send a sailor to the moon
Reiteration of the skepticism about steam-powered Atlantic crossing.
But all the bells were ringing, all the people singing
Celebration of the Sirius's arrival with bells ringing and people singing.
She steamed up the Hudson River to the heart of old New York
Describing the Sirius steaming up the Hudson River to New York.
To Staten and Manhattan, she tied up in Battery Park
Mention of docking at Staten Island and Manhattan, specifically Battery Park.
Hurray boys, Hurray, for the Sirius boys Hurray
Cheering for the Sirius and its crew.
Her figurehead a small white dog that held a shining star
Description of the Sirius's figurehead, a small white dog holding the Dog Star, symbolizing hope and guidance.
The brightest star in all the skies, the Day Star, the Dog Star, that lovely morning star
Elaboration on the significance of the Dog Star as the brightest morning star.
As she sailed off from the wharf, the Sirius she was but a dwarf
Despite its size compared to other ships, the Sirius bravely sailed.
Compared to the Great Western, or to the British Queen
Comparison to larger ships like the Great Western and the British Queen.
But this little paddle steamer brave, she breasted every angry wave
The Sirius, a small paddle steamer, successfully faced rough waves.
She was the first to make it through, she linked the old world to the new
Highlighting the Sirius as the first ship to connect the old world to the new.
But all the bells were ringing, all the people singing
Repetition of the celebratory atmosphere with bells ringing and people singing.
She steamed up the Hudson River to the heart of old New York
Reiteration of the Sirius's journey up the Hudson River.
To Staten and Manhattan, she tied up in Battery Park
Confirmation of docking at Staten Island and Manhattan, specifically Battery Park.
Hurray boys, Hurray, for the Sirius boys Hurray
Continued cheering for the Sirius and its crew.
If I could live a thousand years I'd trade them for this day
Expressing the wish to live a thousand years for the joy of being celebrated in New York.
I am the toast of all New York did Captain Roberts say
Captain Roberts feels honored as the toast of New York.
But his story won't be read, till the sea gives up her dead
Recognition that Captain Roberts' story may not be widely known until later.
For an empty tomb in Marmullane, pays tribute to this gallant man
Reference to Captain Roberts' memorial in Marmullane, highlighting his gallantry.
But all the bells were ringing, all the people singing
Repetition of the festive atmosphere with bells ringing and people singing.
She steamed up the Hudson River to the heart of old New York
Reiteration of the Sirius's journey up the Hudson River.
To Staten and Manhattan, she tied up in Battery Park
Confirmation of docking at Staten Island and Manhattan, specifically Battery Park.
Hurray boys, Hurray, for the Sirius boys Hurray
Continued cheering for the Sirius and its crew.
The Sirius was a noble ship, she sailed the ocean wide
Recapitulation of the Sirius as a distinguished ship sailing wide oceans.
She steamed from Passage to New York, and then she steamed on home to Cork
Repeating the Sirius's journey from Passage to New York and back to Cork.
She was the first to make that trip, the Sirius was a famous ship
Reiteration of the Sirius's fame for being the first to make the significant voyage.
She sailed the ocean wide
Final emphasis on the Sirius sailing across wide oceans.
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