Story Behind The Song

Traditional folk song from Canada

Song Description

Having to leave Nova Scotia on a voyage and being away for awhile

Lyrics

Farewell To Nova Scotia

The sun was setting in the west
The birds were singing on every tree
All nature seemed incline for to rest
But still there was no rest for me.

Chorus
Farewell to Nova Scotia, you seabound coast
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I'm far away on the briny ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?

I grieve to leave my native land
I grieve to leave my comrades all
And my parents, whom I held so dear
And my bonny, bonny, lassie that I loved so well

Chorus

The drums do beat and the wars do alarm
My captain calls, I must obey
So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms
For it's early in the morning I'll be far, far away

Chorus

I have three brothers all laid to rest
Their arms are folded on their breasts
But a poor simple sailor just like me
Must be tossed and driven on the deep blue sea

Chorus
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?
Wish for me
Wish for me

Traditional
Lead vocal Delta Burnett Reed
Back up vocal Joe Podlesney
Composer Joe Podlesney
Musical arranger Joe Podlesney
Guitar Joe Podlesney
Keyboard Joe Podlesney