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Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)

07 Jul 09 - 10:26 PM (#2674350)
Subject: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Darlodave

Can anyone provide the lyrics to 'Harbour Lights' written by Judith Haswell please.


08 Jul 09 - 02:56 AM (#2674421)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Barry Finn

"I saw the harbor lights
They only told me you were partin
Some other harbor light has??????"

That one?

I sang that over & over to a sea sick crew of 6 in a 26" novie, lobster boat during a storm off Cape Cod when I was in my early 20's. It only served to turn them all the greener. If I hadn't been at the wheel they would've had me as bait

Barry


08 Jul 09 - 04:35 AM (#2674463)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Darlodave

No sorry Barry not the one. Judith Haswell is a lass from the North East of England who wrote the song.


08 Jul 09 - 05:56 AM (#2674508)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: My guru always said

Is it this one? I don't know who the author is....

Harbour Light:

I have a true love, the ocean he sails
From the stars up above to the wide ocean floor
And he fears no tide, and he fears no gale
For he has a beacon, a light on the shore

And I need you now, safe home by the quay
My true-love forever, your guide I will be
Your North star arising, to steer you at night,
I will be your horizon and your harbour light
I will be your horizon and your harbour light

If he yields to the sea, or sails home with treasure
From windward to lee, I will love him the same
With shelter and freedom in equal measure
Until he sets sail from my arms once again

And I need you now, safe home by the quay
My true-love forever, your guide I will be
Your North star arising, to steer you at night,
I will be your horizon and your harbour light
I will be your horizon and your harbour light


08 Jul 09 - 06:27 AM (#2674533)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Darlodave

No sorry still not the correct one.
Believe it goes like this:-
'Oh the harbour lights are calling
And the anchor she is weighed' etc,etc


08 Jul 09 - 11:28 AM (#2674763)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego

Years back, Bud & Travis were performing at a club in L.A. Between songs, one besotted soul called out the name of a well-known Kingston Trio song, than another joined in, etc., until there was a bit of a cacaphony of such requests. Travis got on the mike and said, "Well, we DID have a couple of requests for Harbor Lights..." Then, they quickly launched into the next song before the audience wackos could react. Sorry....just a random memory triggered by free association...


08 Jul 09 - 02:30 PM (#2674934)
Subject: Lyr Add: HARBOR LIGHTS (H Williams, J Kennedy)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

For those of us who lived and loved in the 1950s, there is only one "Harbor Lights." No substitutes!

Lyr. Add.: HARBOR LIGHTS
Hugh Williams and Jimmy Kennedy, 1937

One ev'ning long ago, a big ship was leaving.
One ev'ning long ago, two lovers were grieving.
A crimson sun went down; the lights began to glow
Across the harbor one ev'ning long ago.

I saw the harbor lights
They only told me we were parting
The same old harbor lights
That once brought you to me.

I watched the harbor lights
How could I help if tears were starting
Goodbye to tender nights
Beside the silv'ry sea.

I long to hold you near
And kiss you just once more
But you were on the ship
And I was on the shore.

Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart was whisp'ring
Some other harbor lights
Will steal your love from me.

Ah! Guy Lombardo, Vera Lynn, Sammy Kaye, Bing Crosby, .....
------------

Sorry, darlodave, my apologies!


08 Jul 09 - 02:41 PM (#2674947)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Artful Codger

And for later generations, it's Boz Scaggs' song from the classic Silk Degrees album.


08 Jul 09 - 08:02 PM (#2675279)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Darlodave

Sorry to inform you all BUT there is another 'Harbour Lights',lyrics by Judith Haswell and I think, think only, could be on a Bram Taylor CD.


13 Jul 09 - 01:33 AM (#2678800)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: GUEST

Am surprised no-one has not come forth with the lyrics I would like, still would appreciate all out there for your help.


13 Jul 09 - 02:18 AM (#2678819)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights
From: Jim Dixon

Bram Taylor sings Judith Haswell's song HARBOUR LIGHTS on his album "Song Singer". These words came from a sound sample on his web site:

Oh, the harbour lights are calling and the anchor she is weighed.
Oh, the harbour lights are calling and I must be on my way.
And the ship she lies awaiting. Oh, you know that I can't stay,
For the harbour lights are calling, leading me to Americay.

Oh, now dry your eyes, dear mother....


13 Jul 09 - 03:23 AM (#2678832)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Matthew Edwards

One of the joys of Mudcat is that the 'wrong' answers to a Lyric Request are often as interesting as the right one.

In looking for this song I was reminded of a song "Heading for the Harbour Lights" written for the Staithes Men's Choir by Joe Stilbeck. I've really enjoyed listening to it once again on a treasured cassette of fisherman's hymns and favourite songs from Staithes, Yorkshire. So thanks for the prompt!

Anyway Jim Dixon has a wonderful record of answering difficult queries on Mudcat, and kudos to him for finding the words and transcribing them.

However it seems that Judith Haswell has her own Facebook page - why not try contacting her directly?

Matthew


13 Jul 09 - 04:01 AM (#2678846)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

Yes Jim that's the song, any chance for the full song lyrics.


13 Jul 09 - 06:42 AM (#2678930)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: BB

Matthew, that was the one I first thought of as well. Having listened to the Staithes men singing it many times, I can hear them without having to look for the casette! Must get round to transferring onto CD though. (Drift to the 'To Do' thread.)

Barbara


14 Jul 09 - 05:13 AM (#2679740)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

Judith Haswell

Here's a link to Judith's facebook page. She has a C.D, called Harbour Lights.

Nice lass I'm sure she won't mind sharing the lyric's with you
Gillie


14 Jul 09 - 05:19 AM (#2679741)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

If you want to meet her in person, she is one of the resident's at Guisborough Rugby Club, on a Sunday night......not to far from Darlo!
Regards,

Gillie


17 Jul 09 - 11:03 PM (#2682636)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

Have tried contacting Judith Haswell for song lyrics, but no response. Can anyone assist me further with the lyrics please,I have three weeks to obtain and learn the song before I'm back on UK soil.


20 Jul 09 - 10:21 PM (#2684227)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

Refresh


21 Jul 09 - 05:44 PM (#2684815)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Gillie

I'll ask her personally for you. It may be another week before that I can post as I'm away for a week.


22 Jul 09 - 01:52 AM (#2685055)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Darlodave

Thanks Gillie, very kind of you.


31 Jul 09 - 12:15 PM (#2691111)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Gillie

p.m.winging it's way to you Dave


31 Jul 09 - 12:26 PM (#2691117)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

My Guru the version you have posted was written by Allen Maslen and sung by Marion Fleetwood in the band Meet on the Ledge, Allen also wrote The Mary Stanford of Rye.


01 Aug 09 - 06:42 AM (#2691524)
Subject: Lyr Add: HARBOUR LIGHTS (Judith Haswell)
From: Gillie

Here you go, enjoy


HARBOUR LIGHTS
Judith Haswell

Oh, the harbour lights are calling and the anchor she is weighed.
Oh, the harbour lights are calling and I must be on my way.
And the ship she lies awaiting. Oh, you know that I can't stay,
For the harbour lights are calling, leading me to Americay.

Oh, now dry your eyes, dear mother; wish me luck upon my way,
For you surely would not wish for me to stay in Galway Bay,
There'll be seven miles mouths awaiting, you can have my share today,
Dry your eyes do not be forsaken, turn around and walk away.

Chorus

Oh you know that my life is wasted, there's no work and none to pay
I have dreams and desperation aspirations; I must follow them my way
I won't stay and be a burden, on this family this day by day,
To Americay I'm heading, leaving you in Galway Bay.

Chorus

There's a shilling in me pocket, and there's patches on my coat,
I've a ticket in me purchase clutches, as I step on to the boat,
There'll be tears and there'll be heart ache as I leave you all and go
But a life of wealth and wonder, is awaiting there I know.

p.m. me with your e-mail, if you want the tune as well.

May see you at Whitby if you are there.

Gillie


03 Aug 09 - 01:52 AM (#2692613)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Darlodave

Hi Gillie
Many thanks, tunes in my head, it was just the lyrics I needed.
Yes I'll be back in UK in time for Whitby so will be making a trip there. Also visiting both The Foresters Arms at Coatham Mundeville and The Brit in D'ton. I love to get the abuse from Dave Myers as do others.


03 Aug 09 - 02:52 AM (#2692618)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Matthew Edwards

Clap! Clap! Clap!!!!!! A well-deserved burst of applause to salute everybody who has helped Darlodave find this lovely looking song, especially Gillie. I think that in the spirit of old British newspaper summertime competitions a five pound reward should be handed to any Mudcatter who recognises Darlodave in Whitby and who can quote correctly from the lyrics.

Matthew Edwards

PS A memo to any songwriter thinking of writing a song called 'Harbour (or Harbor) Lights' - don't do it - its too late - you've missed the boat.


03 Aug 09 - 04:50 AM (#2692639)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Gillie

He, he, your welcome. Give my love to Dave Myers and company, they do do a good class of abuse! I'll probabley be found stewarding at The Spa, Whitby week. Just look for a small person with silver hair.
Clare


26 Dec 09 - 01:46 PM (#2796771)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST,Judith Haswell

just a few alterations to those words :-

There'll be seven MOUTHS awaiting (not miles)

Ihave dreams and ASPIRATIONS (not desperation)

I've a ticket in my CLUTCHES as I step on to the boat

Hope that helps


26 Dec 09 - 04:17 PM (#2796863)
Subject: Lyr Add: HARBOUR LIGHTS (from Bodleian, c. 1860)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

The Harbour Lights
c. 1860

Young Pat had been some years away,
From Cork his native home,
And now with money saved, he back
Was journeying on the foam.
The days to him like years appeared,
And endless seemed the nights,
Till he at last with joy beheld,
The famed Cork Harbour Lights.

Chorus:
The lights of the Harbour,
The Harbour Lights,
The dream of so many long weary nights,
Like a bright beaming star.
So near and yet so far,
The Lights of the Harbour,
The Harbour Lights.

2
He fancied in those distant lights,
His mother he could see,
He pictured her with tearful eyes,
E'er wondering where was he,
And how delighted she would be,
To meet him once again.
He pictured this while gazing on,
Those Lights across the main.
3
Pat still those lights kept watching,
Which to him seemed slow to spread
As onward o'er the mystic deep,
The heedless vessel sped,
When lo, a sudden fearful bang
Re-echoed through the night,
Then all was dark and e'en those lights
Quite disappeared from sight.
4
Alas 'twas not ordained that Pat,
That night would safely land
For soon 'twas found the vessel was
In flames on every hand,
At length with all on board she sank,
Beneath the foam like lead,
With Pat on deck a watching still,
Those brilliant lights ahead.

Bodleian Collection, Harding B11(3810), no data.


26 Dec 09 - 07:14 PM (#2796953)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Gillie

Whoops, sorry Judith.


02 Jan 11 - 10:33 AM (#3065547)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST,Mark


02 Jan 11 - 11:00 AM (#3065556)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST,Mark Robberts

I came across this web site by chance when looking up the full lyrics for an old favourite: 'I saw the harbour lights'. written by Hugh Willams and Jimmy Kennedy. Note the correct spelling of 'harbour'.
That aside, contributors may be interested to know how this song came into being.
One of the two - I believe it was Jimmy Kennedy - was driving one night from Portsmouth (Cosham) along the old A27 coast road towards Portchester and Fareham. Halfway along that road at the side of the harbour was, and I believe still is, a public house called 'The Harbour Lights'. That night the lights from the pub and its sign clearly reflected in the water giving the song writer the words and first line of the song: 'I saw the Harbour Lights'.
I often drove along that road, saw what the writer saw and wondered. Years later I actually met the writers and they corroborated the story.


23 Sep 17 - 03:45 PM (#3878394)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: GUEST

Written by Allen Maslen from Stratford-on-Avon and recorded by his band Meet on The Ledge


23 Sep 17 - 07:00 PM (#3878418)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Harbour Lights (Judith Haswell)
From: Gallus Moll

seems like there's almost enough songs with 'harbour lights' in them to warrant some sort of event---? A gathering of Harbour Songs?
(I had to learn a lifeboat rescue song for a fundraising evening for Tighnbruaich lifeboat station -- I am sure it mentioned seeing the lights on the harbour wall----)