Steamboat Row
Journey Home: An Irish Miner's Tale
Lyrics
My daddy was a miner, said there was nothing finer
My father was a miner, praising the value of an honest Irish worker.
Than an Irishman who worked an honest day.
Highlighting the admiration for hardworking Irish individuals.
From Steamboat Row, in rain or shine, he'd make his way down to the mine,
Describing the consistent journey from Steamboat Row to the mine despite weather conditions.
Along the dusty road he'd travel,
Depicting the path along a dusty road to reach the mine.
Fifteen miles to get there, fifteen miles to go,
Emphasizing the lengthy distance traveled to and from the mine daily.
Fifteen miles back home again, home to Steamboat Row.
Reiterating the return journey home to Steamboat Row after work.
He used to tell about the time he got hurt down in the mine,
Recalling an incident of injury in the mine, expressing reluctance to return.
He said he'd never go back down again.
Stating an aversion to going back to the mine due to the injury.
But in his heart he knew he would, he did the only thing he could,
Despite reservations, acknowledging the inevitability of returning to the mine.
Kept on walkin' down that road,
Continuing the journey despite reluctance, a sense of duty.
Fifteen miles to get there, fifteen miles to go,
Reiterating the arduous commute to and from work.
Fifteen miles back home again, home to Steamboat Row.
Returning home to Steamboat Row after completing work.
But when he took to drinkin' we knew that he was thinkin',
Indicating a shift in behavior due to thoughts about mortality, possibly related to drinking.
That his days were quickly coming to an end.
Suggesting a realization of approaching mortality during times of drinking.
He'd only speak of Steamboat Row, he said someday we ought to go,
Expressing a desire to revisit Steamboat Row, possibly indicating nostalgia or closure.
And walk along that dusty road,
Mentioning the dusty road as a symbol of reminiscence or contemplation.
Fifteen miles to get there, fifteen miles to go,
Highlighting the repetitive nature of the long journey to and from work.
Fifteen miles back home again, home to Steamboat Row.
Returning home again to Steamboat Row after reminiscing or contemplating.
Comment