Farewell, Farewell — Fairport Convention Lyrics
Soundtrack: Baby Reindeer
Farewell, Farewell Song Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Farewell, farewell to you who would hear
You lonely travellers all
The cold north wind will blow again
The winding road does call
[Verse 2]
And will you never return to see
Your bruised and beaten sons?
"Oh, I would, I would, if welcome I were
For they loathe me, every one"
[Verse 3]
And will you never cut the cloth
Or drink the light to be?
And can you never swear a year
To any one of we?
[Verse 4]
"No, I will never cut the cloth
Or drink the light to be
But I'll swear a year to one who lies
Asleep alongside of me"
[Verse 1]
Farewell, farewell to you who would hear
You lonely travellers all
The cold north wind will blow again
The winding road does call
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›Farewell, Farewell
Fairport Convention
December, 01st 2024
Song Details and Overview
- Featuring Artist(s): N/A
- Producer: Joe Boyd
- Writers: Richard Thompson and Traditional
- Release Date: December 1969
- Album: Liege & Lief
- Genre: British Folk, Folk Rock
- Label: Island Records
Exploring the Meaning of "Farewell, Farewell"
Fairport Convention's "Farewell, Farewell" is a poignant folk lament rooted in grief, introspection, and the inexorable passage of time. Written by Richard Thompson, the song was inspired by the tragic accident in May 1969 that claimed the lives of drummer Martin Lamble and Thompson’s girlfriend Jeannie Franklyn. The lyrics are set to the tune of "Fause Foodrage," an old Scottish murder ballad, creating a powerful juxtaposition between sorrow and ancient storytelling traditions.
Themes and Analysis
The song explores themes of loss, memory, and the transient nature of life. It can be interpreted as a farewell from the departed to the living, a mourner addressing the deceased, or even as a broader reflection on mortality and the human condition. The melancholic tone underscores a struggle for resolution and acceptance amidst grief.
Structure and Symbolism
- Verse 1: Opens with a universal goodbye to "lonely travellers," suggesting a farewell to those who continue their journey through life.
- Verse 2: A conversation with the departed hints at feelings of alienation and unworthiness, reflecting both the mourners' pain and the deceased's imagined struggles.
- Verse 3: Introduces metaphors of unfinished tasks, like "cutting the cloth" and "drinking the light," symbolizing unfulfilled potential and the acceptance of mortality.
- Verse 4: Ends with a solemn commitment to the bonds shared in life, suggesting a lingering connection even in death.
Similar Songs
The themes of grief and farewell in "Farewell, Farewell" resonate with other folk and rock compositions exploring mortality and loss. Consider these similar tracks:
- Simon & Garfunkel – "The Sound of Silence" captures the anguish of communication and loss.
- Nick Drake – "River Man" weaves poetic reflections on life and destiny.
- Bob Dylan – "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" meditates on the end of life with folk simplicity.
- Sandy Denny – "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" laments the fleeting nature of time and connections.
- Leonard Cohen – "Suzanne" blends spiritual and human longing with ethereal melodies.
Chart Performance and Legacy
While "Farewell, Farewell" was not released as a single and did not chart, it remains one of Fairport Convention's most poignant songs. The album Liege & Lief is widely regarded as a cornerstone of British folk rock, and the song has become emblematic of the band’s ability to blend traditional tunes with deeply personal storytelling.
Quotes
"The accident shaped us, and 'Farewell, Farewell' was our way of saying goodbye while keeping their memory alive."
Richard Thompson
Conclusion
"Farewell, Farewell" stands as a testament to Fairport Convention’s skill in merging traditional folk influences with heartfelt, contemporary themes. The song’s profound lyrics and haunting melody capture the complexity of grief, making it a timeless reflection on loss and the bonds that endure beyond life.
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