Farewell to Exmouth Town

A slightly adjusted version of Farewell to Carlingford, written by Tommy Makem in 1968 and recorded by him with the Clancy Brothers and by Tommy Makem.

Farewell to Exmouth Town

 

When I was young and in my prime

And could wander wild and free

There was always a longing in my heart

To follow the call of the sea

 

Chorus

So I’ll sing farewell to Exmouth town

Farewell to these shores

And I’ll think of you both day and night

Till I return once more

Till I return once more

 

On all of the stormy seven seas

I have sailed before the mast

And on every voyage I ever made

I swore it would be my last

 

Chorus

 

Now I loved a girl lived by Shelley Beach

As fair as fair could be

But the only thought that was in her mind

Was to send me back to sea

 

Chorus

 

Now a landsman’s life is all his own

He can go or he can stay

But when the sea gets in your blood

When she calls you must obey

 

Chorus