Bonny Hielan' Laddie
Wanderlust Melodies: A Seafarer's Journey
Lyrics
Was you ever in Quebec, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie, stowing timber on the deck, bonny hielan' laddie.
Reflects on experiences in Quebec, involving stowing timber on the deck.
Was you ever in Dundee, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie, there some pretty ships you'll see, bonny hielan' laddie.
Asks if the listener has been to Dundee, highlighting pretty ships in the area.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie.
Repetitive lines indicating a rhythmic chant or cheer.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny hielan' laddie.
-This Boston town don't suit my notion and I'm bound for far away.
Expresses dissatisfaction with Boston, announcing the intention to sail away and meet again someday.
So, I'll pack my bag and sail the ocean and I'll see you on another day.
-Was you ever in Mobile Bay, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie, loading cotton by the day, bonny hielan' laddie.
Inquires about experience in Mobile Bay, focusing on loading cotton.
Was you ever 'round Cape Horn, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie, with the Lion and the Unicorn, bonny hielan' laddie.
Asks about navigating Cape Horn with the Lion and the Unicorn.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie.
Repetition of a rhythmic chant or cheer.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny hielan' laddie.
-One of these days and it won't be long and I'm bound for far away.
Anticipates departure soon, indicating the singer will be far away, to be seen on another day.
You'll take a look around and find me gone and I'll see you on another day.
-Was you ever in Monterey, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie, on that town with three months pay, bonny hielan' laddie.
Asks about experiences in Monterey, emphasizing a town where three months' pay is spent.
Was you ever in Aberdeen, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie, prettiest girls that you've ever seen, bonny hielan' laddie.
Inquires about Aberdeen, praising the town's exceptionally pretty girls.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie.
Repetition of a rhythmic chant or cheer.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny hielan' laddie.
-Farewell, dear friends, I'm leaving soon and I'm bound for far away.
Announces imminent departure, promising a reunion in June and another meeting in the future.
We'll meet again this coming June and I'll see you on another day.
-Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny laddie, hielan' laddie.
Final repetition of a rhythmic chant or cheer, concluding the song.
Hey, ho, and away we go, bonny hielan' laddie.
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