Home Boys Home
Sailor's Tale of Love: A Sea of Surprises in The Dubliners' 'Home Boys Home'
Lyrics
Oh well, who wouldn't be a sailor lad a sailin' on the main
Expressing admiration for the life of a sailor sailing on the sea.
To gain the good will of his captain's good name?
Desire to earn the respect and favor of the ship's captain.
He came ashore one evening for to be
A sailor came ashore one evening.
And that was the beginning of my own true love and me
Meeting the speaker's true love for the first time.
And it's home,boys,home
Expressing longing for home and a desire to return.
Home I'd like to be home for a while
Yearning to be home for a while.
In me me own country
Expressing a desire to be in one's own country.
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Referencing specific trees growing in the homeland.
Are all a-growin' green in the old country
Highlighting the greenery in the speaker's home country.
Well I asked for a candle for to light me up to bed
Requesting a candle and a handkerchief for bedtime.
And likewise for a handkerchief to tie around me head
Seeking items for personal use before bed.
She tended to me needs like a young maid ought to do
Describing the care received from the young maid.
So then I says to her, "Now won't you leap in with me too?"
Suggesting intimacy by inviting the maid to join in bed.
Well she jumped into bed, making no alarm
The maid entered bed without protest.
Thinking a young sailor lad could do to her no harm
Assumption that as a sailor, he wouldn't harm her.
Well I hugged her and I kissed her the whole night long
Expressing affection through hugging and kissing.
Till she wished the short night had been seven years long
Desiring the night to be longer due to enjoyment.
Well early next morning the sailor lad arose
Early morning departure of the sailor.
And into Mary's apron threw a handful of gold
Giving a gift of gold to the maid.
Saying "Take this me dear for the mischief that I've done
Apologizing for the situation caused.
For tonight I fear I've left you with a daughter or a son"
Expressing concern about potential pregnancy.
"Well if it be a girl child, send her out to nurse
Instructions if a girl is born - providing for her care.
With gold in her pocket and with silver in her purse
Specifics about caring for a girl child.
And if it be a boy child he'll wear the jacket blue
Instructions if a boy is born - relating to his future.
And go climbing up the rigging like his daddy used to do"
Imagining the boy following in his father's footsteps.
Oh come all of you fair maidens, a warning take by me
A warning to young women about trusting sailors romantically.
Never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee
Advice to women to be cautious around sailors.
For I trusted one and he beguiled me
Expressing regret and betrayal by a sailor.
He left me with a pair of twins to dangle on me knee
Consequences of the betrayal - left with twins as a result.
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