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Nova Scotia Farewell

by Ian & Sylvia

on Northern Journey (1964)

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

Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea-bound coast
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am 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 comradеs all
And my parents whom I love so dear
And thе bonnie, bonnie lass/lad that I do adore

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

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

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

I have three brothers and they are at rest
Their hands are folded on their breast
But a poor simple sailor just like me
Must be tossed and driven on the dark blue sea

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