- Written March 13th, 1981
- Keywords: Nautical, Sea Shanty, Folk
Story Behind the Song -
This is the song for which I’m most famous: a sea shanty popular among my listeners. It tells the tale an old sailor on his final journey. This is the original recording from 1982. Guitar and vocal harmony by my good friend, Jerry Danks.
Song Lyrics -
I’m leavin’ tomorrow for Paradise Bay.
I’m a crusty old sailor and too old, they say.
I’ve waited a lifetime just for the day
that I spend forever in Paradise Bay.
The fleet that they got there is second to none,
with all ships but warships — there’s no need for guns.
A navy of angels makes safe where they roam,
and a Heavenly lighthouse to bring the ships home...
The harbour they got there is the best all around.
When the summer fog rolls in, they all hear the sound
of the Heavenly foghorn call ships from the sea.
Paradise harbour is waiting for me...
I’ve sailed on the ocean; I’ve sailed on the sea.
The dolphins and mermaids all recognize me.
Brasil and West Indies and African Coast;
and a month in the doldrums, I remember the most...
So, take all my journals, I’ll need them no more.
Tell folks all my stories of far distant shores.
And when you speak of this sailor, be kind, if you may,
for he’s sailing forever from Paradise Bay...
©2012 Jim Shoulak/Cedar Lodge Music