Lyrics
For it’s goodbye my darling
Expressing farewell to a loved one.
It won’t be for long
Assuring that the separation won't be extended.
Though it may be for years
Acknowledging that the departure may last for an extended period, possibly years.
Not forever
Clarifying that the separation is not permanent.
For it’s ongoing away love for several years
Emphasizing the ongoing nature of the departure, expressing enduring love.
And I would think of my darling forever
Committing to thoughts of the beloved lasting forever despite physical separation.
For as I’m going away love
Explaining the reason for leaving, to visit an old castle.
To see the old castle
Describing the journey, holding a drink, and accompanied by a companion.
With a drink in my hand
Painting a picture of leisure and enjoyment during the journey.
And a girl on my knee
Suggesting a carefree and joyful attitude with a girl on the speaker's knee.
And if I couldn’t maintain you for seven years more
Contemplating the inability to sustain the relationship for seven more years.
Then I would think of my darling forever
Reiterating a commitment to eternal thoughts of the beloved.
Oh england oh england
Expressing a longing or farewell to England.
I’ll not see you more
Declaring that the speaker won't see England again.
For I’m worn out with fever cast down to death’s door
Describing physical exhaustion, possibly due to illness or hardship.
And if ever I live to see seven years more
Contemplating the possibility of surviving for seven more years.
Then I would think of my darling forever
Reiterating the commitment to eternal thoughts of the beloved.
Now the warden’s they stand with their whips in their hands
Depicting wardens with whips, suggesting a harsh environment or punishment.
Just to see us fall all convicts go
Describing the convicts' plight, falling under the watchful eyes of wardens.
Ploughing the land
Highlighting convict labor, specifically ploughing the land.
And you hard hearted judges how cruel you be
Addressing judges as cruel for sending convicts away to Warden's Row.
You have sent us away
Stating the sentence imposed by the judges.
To warden’s row warden’s row, warden’s row
Repeating the reference to Warden's Row, emphasizing the severity of the punishment.
For a lifetime to go
Indicating a lengthy sentence for the convicts.
For a lifetime to go
Reiterating the prolonged nature of the sentence.
For a lifetime to go
Emphasizing the enduring impact of the sentence.
Just to see us fall all convicts go
Repeating the convicts' fate and the act of ploughing the land.
Ploughing the land
Echoing the previous description of convict labor.
And if ever I live to see seven years more
Contemplating the possibility of surviving for seven more years despite challenges.
Then I would think of my darling forever
Reaffirming the commitment to eternal thoughts of the beloved.
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