The Sailor's Farewell
I met a gentleman after one of my concerts who told me the story of his mother Mabel and of his many siblings. He told me of how his father was a sailor. When he left the shore his mother hung a picture called “The Sailor’s Farewell” on the wall, and when he returned it was replaced by one called “The Sailor’s Return”. On that last voyage Mabel was never able to hang the second picture and that story formed the inspiration for this song.
Mabel, mother of mine, if I were able I’d take your wine, turn it into water and you’d be fine. Dearest Mabel, mother of mine.
They will ride the waves away, and they will not come home. They will ride the waves away, and they will not come home. Mabel, mother of mine. Dearest Mabel, oh mother of mine.
Mabel, mother of mine, if I were able I’d take all nine of your dear children and they’d be fine. Dearest Mabel, mother of mine.
Mabel, mother of mine, if I were able I’d wait here by “Farewell the Sailor” and he’d be fine. Dearest Mabel, mother of mine.
Mabel, oh mother of mine, if I were able I’d mount on high “Return the Sailor” and he’d be fine. Dearest Mabel, mother of mine. But I’m not able, mother of mine. Dearest Mabel... oh mother of mine.
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