The seafaring ballad “The Leaving of Liverpool” holds a significant place in maritime history. It is described as an internationally beloved seafaring ballad.

The Leaving of Liverpool is a traditional folk song rooted in the maritime culture of the 19th century.

Sailors and seamen carried it across oceans. The seafarer’s folk song survived not because it was written down. It survived because it was sung and passed from voice to voice in fo’c’sles, docksides, and pubs.

The lyrics are clear, easily understood and memorable. They convey a rich sense and seam of its story, history, and meaning.

What the Song Is About

At its heart, the ballad is a farewell, a sailor leaving Liverpool aboard a ship bound for California.

He sings to the loved one he’s leaving behind. He promises to return. He asks them to stay true while he’s away.

Two of the most recognizable lines are quoted briefly and within limits. This emotional simplicity is part of why the song endures.

Historical Roots

•       The song likely emerged in the mid‑19th century, during the era of long voyages around Cape Horn.

•       It was first collected from sailors by American folklorist William Main Doerflinger in the early 20th century.

•       The ship mentioned in many versions was the Davy Crockett. It was a real vessel that sailed between Liverpool and San Francisco.

It’s a perfect example. Working sailors created songs to cope with the vast distances. They dealt with constant fear, danger, and nostalgia.

Revival and Influence

The song nearly vanished until the folk revival of the 1950s–60s. Then it exploded in popularity thanks to artists like:

•       The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

•       The Dubliners

•       The Pogues

Each performer shaped it slightly differently, which is part of the charm of traditional music.

Why It Resonates

Even if you’ve never set foot on a ship, the themes are universal:

•       Saying goodbye

•       Facing uncertainty

•       Holding onto love across distance

•       Hoping for a return

It’s a song that feels both intimate and epic—one voice against the vastness of the sea.

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THE LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL: Ex-Liverpool seaman Michael Walsh, Bestseller of 2025: 70 stories and over 100 pictures. A first-hand account of the British ships, seafarers, adventures and misadventures (1955 – 1975). A tribute to the ships and seamen of the then-largest merchant marine in history. https://www.lulu.com/shop/michael-walsh-and-nadiya-burlikova/the-leaving-of-liverpool/paperback/product-v89mgrp.html?q=&page=1&pageSize=4