This song, The Old Man Of The Sea, is another gem from Graeme Miles and as with all his songs, a joy to sing. Graeme was a truly dedicated song writer and would spend time researching every aspect that he would use in the song. As with The Old Man Of The Sea he would spend many hours, days, weeks, months, years and a lifetime in a pub up on the North East that was frequented by merchant sailors. Graeme would listen diligently to their tales and use their expressions and images for the song. I am not sure if the same could be repeated in a pub frequented by traffic wardens. Martyn
THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA
by Graeme Miles
It’s a lot of miles I’ve traveled now I’ve just a few to go
Before that I am home again where the silver Shannon flows
So spoke Christy Farrel the old man of the sea
Thirty years on the merchant ships along way from Lough Ree.
I’ve been around this great big world all on it’s seven seas
Often spent the night on deck just listening to the breeze
I’ve seen the red sun rising over Fuji’s silver crown
And seen the same sun setting down over smokey New York town.
I’ve often watched the smiling moon rolling over Lebanon
Seen shooting stars come showering down to the harbour of Hong Kong
I’ve seen the northern lights up there in the Arctic’s frozen waste
And once I sailed around the Horn where them clipper ships did race.
We followed shoals of flying fish when I’ve been off Africa’s shore
Marvelled at the Coral Reef where them giant waves heave and roar
I’ve seen the Southern Cross at night as bright as bright can been
Reflecting like some milky pearls up on Down Under’s sea.
I’ve seen the giant liners with their lights all shining bright
Glittering like some diamonds in the velvet black of night
I’ve seen the ocean sparkle under lightning in a storm
And yes I’ve heard the mermaid sing in the silvery light of dawn.
It’s a lot of miles I’ve traveled now I’ve just a few to go
Before that I am home again where the silver Shannon flows
So spoke Christy Farrel the old man of the sea
Thirty years on the merchant ships a long way from Lough Ree
Thirty years on the merchant ships a long way from Lough Ree
A long way from Lough Ree.