Towards the Sunset
Words and music: Pat and Joe Byrne. Used with permission.
CHORUS: Swing her head 'round, we're heading for the west’ard,
Swing her head 'round, we're heading up the bay;
Oh, swing her head 'round, we're heading t'wards the sunset,
Towards the sunset, in search of yesterday.
All cares will vanish as soon as we clear Bordeaux,
And the seven combers that roll there day by day;
We're joined again with those who sailed before us,
T'wards Chapeau Rouge or out to Golden Bay.
Our thoughts go back now to those trim yankee bankers,
Taking bait on for Georges or the Briar;
And the song-sung men like those who sailed from Brule
Bound for St. Peter’s in the springtime of the year.
CHORUS
Lost in the mists are the ghosts of sturdy hunters,
From Rose au Rue still searching for the whale;
And the ghostly fleet forever beating win'ard,
Forever riding that fabled August gale.
And the ghosts of those who forever are returning,
From far Oporto or the Indies with their charms;
Driving bows under to make it home for Christmas,
To kitchen fires and women's waiting arms.
CHORUS
The islands stand now like silent, grey reminders,
Of times gone by when Nat was in his prime;
They hold the secret for all who wish to find it,
Forever flowing in blood like yours and mine.
CHORUS
Read more about this song at the Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador, https://musicalmapnl.ca/song/300