Just as the Tide Was Flowing
Whispers of Love and Longing in the Morning Tide
Lyrics
Just as the Tide Was Flowing
Expressing a moment in time when the tide was in motion.
One morning in the month of May
Describing a specific morning in May.
When all the birds were singing
Highlighting the presence of singing birds, indicating a lively atmosphere.
I saw a lovely maiden stray
Noticing a beautiful young woman wandering.
Across the fields at break of day
Observing her movement across fields at the beginning of the day.
She softly sang a round-a-lay
She is softly singing a round-a-lay (a type of song or melody).
Just as the tide was flowing
Reiterating the setting, emphasizing the movement of the tide.
The tide flows in, the tide flows out
Describing the regular rhythm of the tide, flowing in and out.
Twice ev'ry day returning
Further emphasizing the cyclic nature of the tide, twice a day.
Her cheeks were red, her eyes were brown
Depicting the physical features of the maiden.
Her hair in ringlets hanging down
Detailing her red cheeks, brown eyes, and hair in ringlets.
Across her face to hide the frown
Noting the use of hair to conceal a frown on her face.
Just as the tide was flowing
Reiterating the connection between the maiden and the flowing tide.
The tide flows in, the tide flows out
Restating the cyclic nature of the tide's flow.
Twice ev'ry day returning
Emphasizing the regularity of the tide's movement.
A sailor's wife at home must bide
Introducing the concept of a sailor's wife staying at home.
She halted heavily, she sighed
Describing her heavy steps and sighs, possibly indicating sadness or longing.
He parted from poor me, a bride
Reflecting on the separation from her husband, framed within the context of the flowing tide.
Just as the tide was flowing
Reiterating the association between the maiden's story and the tide's movement.
The tide flows in, the tide flows out
Repeating the description of the tide's regular ebb and flow.
Twice ev'ry day returning
Affirming the twice-daily recurrence of the tide's motion.
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