Old Lady Rose
music and lyrics by Dave Baker
arranged for SATB choir by Larry Nickel
lyrics
Sing "farewell."
Sing "farewell."
When I sail on the Old Lady Rose.
I'm a fisherman's son and I'll follow the run
like my father has done all his days.
For I'm one of a breed who must live from the sea
and bide by her harsh rugged ways.
But with every new season the salmon runs wane
and soon I must bid them, "adieu".
In this land that in mine I can no longer find
the contentment my father one knew.
Sing, "farewell" to this good life I'm leaving
I may never return, I suppose.
These cold rains will hide these tears in my eyes
when I sail on the Old Lady Rose.
I remember the days and my childhood ways
when I'd watch the fleet steal through the night.
I can still feel the thrill of a hold nearly filled
with the fish that provides our good life.
For the land and the sea is in each part of me
as my father so often explained.
Though try as I may to follow his ways
there is something that's just not the same.
Sing, "farewell" to this good life I'm leaving
I may never return, I suppose.
These cold rains will hide these tears in my eyes
when I sail on the Old Lady Rose.
I'm worried I'll find I'm just not the kind
who can walk all alone in a crowd.
I'm not sure I'll know where to turn, where to go,
who to turn to when no one's around.
For if I'm not apart of the wind and the waves
then life will seem empty, they say.
I'm hoping there'll be a new life for me
when my old home fades slowly away.
Sing "farewell."
Sing "farewell."
When I sail on the Old Lady Rose.
MP3 (download here) - recorded by friends of Larry Nickel
view part of the score here
please contact Dave directly, regarding the use of this choral music
Phone: 604.466.1726
email Dave Baker
visit Dave's website