Words and Music: Joan Sprung
Our old friend Joan Sprung sent this to me many years ago and it has told its truth in some odd places where English is spoken. To me it felt like Nova Scotia, but Joan told me she made it in my own waters. I think it has found a fine voice with Ann, (GB) You can hear Joan's singing of it on her Folk Legacy recording. (ET)
Chorus
The sun in the morning used to call me to the day
And the wind from the sea would blow my cares away
But I'll nevermore go down to watch the boats come in the bay
Watch the boats from the harbors of home
Just like it was yesterday I hear the church bells toll
And the time it takes forever and the hours slowly roll
Though they tell me passing days will surely heal a wounded soul
My tears would fill the harbors of home
Chorus
Good sailors on the Mary Anne the finest pledged to me
He went under with the others when the boat went down at sea
And gone with him are all our dreams of happiness to be
Waiting for us in the harbors of home
Chorus
The ocean gives us fish and the fish it buys our bread
Strike a bargain with the devil so that all of us are fed
But nothing's given free and now our bonny boys are dead
All our young men from the harbors of home
Chorus
Harbors of Home is recorded on the album Harbors of Home and is in the songbook One to Sing, One to Haul