Irish Post
Journey of Longing: An Immigrant's Tale in 'Irish Post'
Lyrics
I wrote her name and address on the back of a cigarette pack
The singer wrote the name and address of someone on a cigarette pack.
I didn't know then that I'd never be goin' back
The realization that they might never return to a place or situation.
the ferry was leaving when we pulled up to the quay
They arrived at the quay just as the ferry was departing.
When we reached Hollyhead I was as sick as I could be
Upon reaching Hollyhead, the singer felt extremely ill or sick.
I didn't choose this way they made me go
They didn't have a choice but were compelled or forced to leave.
I was a week on the job and I wanted to go back home
Feeling homesick after being on the job for a week.
What I wouldn't do for a glimpse of the Christmas tree
Expressing a longing to see a Christmas tree and hear familiar voices.
hear all your voices callin' me
Yearning to hear the voices of loved ones calling them.
if I go back home again I'll just be hanging 'round
Feeling that returning home would lead to aimless hanging around.
Maybe next year if my ship doesn't run aground
Hopeful about returning next year if circumstances allow.
I should've listened to my brother Moran when he said
Regretting not listening to advice from someone named Moran.
I was a fool, but it's too late now and I didn't make the rules
Realizing their mistakes but feeling it's too late to change.
Oh, God, please have mercy on me
An appeal to God for mercy or compassion.
I'm all alone in another man's city
Feeling isolated in a city that doesn't feel like their own.
I'm not askin' for much just wanta go back home
Simply wishing to return home without asking for much else.
see Mam and Dad and the boys, oh, God!
Expressing a desire to see family members (mother, father, and brothers).
I should've listened to my brother Moran when he said
Reiterating regret about not heeding Moran's advice.
I was a fool, but it's too late now and I didn't make the rules
Reaffirming the realization that it's too late to change.
Oh, God, please have mercy on me
Continued plea to God for understanding or mercy.
I'm all alone in another man's city
Feeling alone and out of place in the city.
I'm not askin' for much just wanta go back home
Reiteration of the desire to return home to see family.
See Mam and Dad and the boys, oh, God!
Expressing the strong wish to see family members again.
Just see Mam and Dad and the boys, oh, God!
Reiterating the strong desire to see family members.
Comment