Leaving of Liverpool

words and music traditional

Fare thee well to you, my own true love,
there were many fare thee wells.
I am bound for California,
a place that I know right well.
So fare the well, my own true love,
when I return united we will be.
It’s not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me,
but my darling when I think of thee.

I am bound on a yankee clipper ship,
Davy Crockett is her name.
And her captain’s name it is Burgess,
and they say that she’s a floating shame.

I sailed with Burgess once before,
and I think I know him well,
If a man’s a sailor he will get along,
if he’s not then he’s sure in Hell.

The ship is in the harbor, love,
and you know I can’t remain,
I know it will be a long long time
before I see you again.

So fare thee well, my own true love,
when I return united we will be.
It’s not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me,
but my darling when I think of thee.

So fare thee well, my own true love,
when I return united we will be.
It’s not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me,
but my darling when I think of thee

 

Chords

C F C
Fare thee well to you, my own true love,
G
there were many fare thee wells.
C F C
I am bound for California,
G C
a place that I know right well.
G F C
So fare the well, my own true love,
G
when I return united we will be.
C F C
It’s not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me,
G C
but my darling when I think of thee.

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“Leaving of Liverpool”