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I never shall forget the day I left my native home,
Far over the ocean to roam;
Tears stood in my sister's eyes, at last she clasped my hand,
And she wishing for my safe return to home.
My weeping mother could not speak, she looked so sad and pale,
To see a son that's wandering far away;
I tried to tell the loved ones but my voice did almost fail,
That I never would forget 'em where I strayed.
Wherever I roam I'll not forget my home,
That distant home was ever dear to me;
And often in my dreams at night I fancy I'm again,
In my little English home across the sea.
I've sailed the seas for many years through countries far and near,
Across the reckless ocean I braved the tempest's anger;
And I scorned all dreadful fear,
And I little reaped the perils of the storm.
I hear gentle voices come whispering in the wind,
Like the echo of the angel's cry above;
Saying, hasten to your home once more forever you will find,
A hearty greeting for the one we love.
Wherever I roam I'll not forget my home,
That distant home was ever dear to me;
And often in my dreams at night I fancy I'm again,
In my little English home across the sea.
I fancy I can see them as the evening hours draw nigh,
While passing the deck to and fro;
I hear the gentle voices in the happy days gone by,
And they praying for my welfare where I go.
Wherever I roam I'll not forget my home,
That distant home was ever dear to me;
And often in my dreams at night I fancy I'm again,
In my little English home across the sea.
Sung by Jim Rice (1879-1958) of Cape Broyle, NL, and published in MacEdward Leach And The Songs Of Atlantic Canada © 2004 Memorial University of Newfoundland Folklore and Language Archive (MUNFLA).
