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Title: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: GatorBait07 on November 04, 2007, 10:11AM Does anybody know what the song "The Soft Goodbye" is about? I have listened to it a bunch and it seems as if it could have a hundred different meanings. Didn't know if anybody knew the truth behind the song. Thanks
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Maggie on November 05, 2007, 11:46PM Over the last 200 years, there have been many Irish songs about emigration and parting from loved ones.
This is because there was so much poverty, famine and unfair laws in Ireland that the only way out was to emigrate, find work, and send for your loved one to join you. Many young men had that "dream that will not sleep, a burning hope that will not die" of making it to the Land of Liberty and making a good living, so that his love could join him, or he could maybe go home to visit, and show his family how successful he was. Most of them had a dream of making enough money to return for their loved ones, or sending for them, but in reality the vast majority never saw them again. This is only my explanation of the song, I may be wrong: When the light begins to fade, {Most of the emigrant ships left in the And shadows fall across the sea, {evening,because it would take all day One bright star in the evening sky, {to load them. He is looking at a star, Your love's light leads me on my way. {reminding him of his love who is left behind. There's a dream that will not sleep, {Dreaming of a bright future A burning hope that will not die. {He has hope and ambition for his new life. So I must go now with the wind, {The early emigrant ships had sails and would And leave you waiting on the tide. {sail on the evening high tide. {His love watches and waits on the shore. Time to fly, time to touch the sky. {Not literally time to fly, but as the ship leaves One voice alone - a haunting cry. {his heart takes flight, and he is aware of his One song, one star burning bright, {loneliness. He prays that love will Let it carry me through darkest night. {overcome his fears. Rain comes over the grey hills, {Thinking of the soft rain and grey hills And on the air, a soft goodbye. {of home, and hears his love's goodbye. Hear the song that I sing to you, {He is singing to her, hoping she hears When the time has come to fly. {it in her heart. When I leave and take the wing, {When he gets to his destination far away. And find the land that fate will bring, {the bright star of her love will sustain him The brightest star in the evening sky, {even though they are apart, (Is your love far from me) {and she will wait for him. Is your love waiting far for me. Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Magic~5 on November 05, 2007, 11:59PM Maggie
that is probably the best way to describe that song. I like knowing that history and truth can be a foundation for a song. Besides that, the tune is a calming style that helps the heart remember. Magic Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Kimberly AJ on November 06, 2007, 03:53PM Doesn't that look good?
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: GatorBait07 on November 06, 2007, 04:53PM That makes sense. I was thought it was a song about losing a loved one such as by someone passing away. But your interpretation seemes to make more sense. Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Kimberly AJ on November 06, 2007, 05:17PM It sure makes up a memory for one.
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: btimerson on November 06, 2007, 05:22PM Maggie:
That is an absolutely wonderful interpretation of this song. I have also thought of it as losing a loved one, knowing that someday you will be re-united. I played this song a lot right after my father passed away.... Brad T Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Anderpaw on November 06, 2007, 05:49PM I can think of no other explanation or interpretation for the song. It's perfect, Maggie.
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Maggie on November 07, 2007, 12:13PM That makes sense. I was thought it was a song about losing a loved one such as by someone passing away. Actually, that's not far from reality....... Ireland up until the last 30 years was a poor country, but with a great standard of education. The only big industry was agriculture, and racehorses. The eldest son in each family inherited the farm, so if you were a young man with no farmland, the only option to make a good living was to leave for England or the USA. When a family member such as a son, brother or lover, left for the USA, there was little chance of seeing him again. They all said they would be back, or would send for their sweetheart, but very few did. So when the time came to leave, the family held a wake, just as if the person was dead. The purpose of a Wake is to say goodbye, to recall all the good qualities of the person, and to pray for him. It's a celebration of his life. Remember the number "American Wake" in Riverdance? That's what it was about - an emigrant farewell. It's also what "Danny Boy" is about....it's a parent saying goodbye to a son as he is about to emigrate. Also, remember Lisa's words in "At the Ceili"....... All the boys we loved so well So handsome young and charming They’re in New York and Boston now They should be home here farming ‘My own true love has sailed away To be an endless rover Cos times are tough and he must leave To start a new life over He writes me letters every week To say how much he’s slaving And he promises that he’ll be back Before the hay needs saving But it’s hard to love somebody That you’re not in touch with daily So I’m looking for somebody new Tonight down at the ceili Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: kathleen on November 07, 2007, 01:15PM Maggie
I just love the song a Soft Goodbye. Mainly for the three women singing it. Their voices blending so well. I love that you took the time to tell us your feelings and interpretations of the song. A true gift! hugs kathleen Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: CRRopes on November 07, 2007, 01:30PM I think Lynn and Kelly singing those backing parts live is just a wonderful part of the show. It really adds something to the song. Their voices blend beautifully, like in "The Last Rose of Summer."
And to actually be on topic, nice interpretation, Maggie. I figured it was something like that, even though it also does sound like a death. And, as you explained, in Ireland during bad times, going away and dying weren't so different. If your loved one went overseas and you knew you'd never see them again.... you'd grieve just as if you'd lost them. Chris Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: SusanZ on November 08, 2007, 12:42PM Maggie,
I think your interpretation is right on the mark. It is a hauntingly beautiful song. Chris, I agree that Chloe and Lynn's voices blend wonderfully together - as back-up on that song and as a duet in "Last Rose of Summer". Zee Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: KiernanKate on November 08, 2007, 12:53PM I've been reading this thread since it began but didn't want to post...... until now.
This whole thread is making me think of a song that Anuna has performed about immigration called, A Stor Mo Chroi. (A Store Ma Cree is how I think it's pronounced... could be wrong). Immigration is a dreadful thing no matter what, but it can also,years later, be a very good thing. I have heritage in Wales,Germany,Sweden, Britain, France, and Ireland.... and if it hadn't been for immigration I don't think I would be here, and even if I was........ I most likely wouldn't be Canadian, and I love my home country..... even if I do complain about the cold a lot. Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Kimberly AJ on November 08, 2007, 03:34PM It can provide a tribute when it's heard.
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: poohbear on November 09, 2007, 10:17AM Beautiful post and interpretation a always Maggie.
This is going off topic ..but that has never stopped me before. :P I always thought Danny Boy was about a son going off to war, not just emigrating Am I totally wrong?? Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: FireGuyFrank on November 09, 2007, 11:14AM Hi Maggie,
I'm curious to know if you have an idea of where I can get the music. Thanks Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Maggie on November 09, 2007, 11:52AM Beautiful post and interpretation a always Maggie. This is going off topic ..but that has never stopped me before. :P I always thought Danny Boy was about a son going off to war, not just emigrating Am I totally wrong?? The only sure thing is.....nobody's sure. I have heard young Danny was emigrating, and I've heard he was going off to war. I also heard that the composer intended it as a love song from a woman to a man, but the words are more fitting for a parent or grandparent. Since Wars and uprisings were never far from the surface in Ireland, both may be true. The words were written in 1910 by an English Lawyer who never went to Ireland. The original music was replaced in 1912 by the Air from County Derry. I prefer that he was emigrating, because the pipes could have been his farewell from the locals. As I said before, they all promised to return one day, to make the parting easier. His father says he will probably be dead by the time his son returns.....in which case he wants him to visit his grave: "You'll come and find the place where I am lying, and kneel and say an Ave there for me." An "Ave" is the Ave Maria - Hail Mary - which is the prayer of the Rosary. It is also, of course, beautifully sung by Chloe. Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Maggie on November 09, 2007, 12:13PM Hi Maggie, I'm curious to know if you have an idea of where I can get the music. Piano, then fiddle: (http://www.thesession.org/tunes/sheetmusic/londonderryair1_6867.gif) M: 4/4 L: 1/8 R: reel K: Gmaj F GA | "G"B3A "G7"Be dB | "C"AGE2zG"Cm" Bc | "Bm"d3e "Em" dB GB | "A7"A4z "D7"F GA | "G"B3A "G7"Be dB | "C"AGE2zF "Cm"GA | "Bm"B3"Em"c "A7"BA "D7"GA | "G"G4z d "D7"ef | "G"g3f "C"fe de | "Bm"dB"Em"G2z"Am"d "B7"ef | "Em"g3f "C"fe "Bm"dB | "A7"A4z "D7"d dd | "G7"b3a "C"ag eg | "Bm"dB"Em"G2z"Cm"F GA | "Bm"Be "Em"dB "A7"AG "D7"EF | "G Cm G"G4z |] Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Maggie on November 09, 2007, 12:26PM By the way, Danny Boy is not so popular in Ireland, being mocked as pseudo-Irish.
Several musicians I know will not sing or play it, if they wish to be taken seriously. That's why you may have seen some criticism of CW in the Irish media for including it in their repertoire, but they sing it so beautifully who cares? It is often known as "The Londonderry Air" but there again it is controversial. The name of Derry was changed into "Londonderry" to emphasize ties with Britain. Therefore Republicans would not use that name, calling it instead the Air from County Derry. Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: poohbear on November 10, 2007, 07:15AM Thank you for replying. It is sad politics even get in the way of beautiful music.
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: ferngully on November 16, 2007, 05:54AM is 'send me a song' is also on the same subject as 'the soft goodbye'?
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: The Leprechaun on December 11, 2012, 04:55PM You know, I've always thought of this song as a farewell or quite possibly, a lament song. In fact, I even want it done at my funeral. But it could have that other meaning as well.
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Celtic Chan on December 11, 2012, 05:39PM I think it's a great funeral song whether it's a farewell song or what ever kind of song it is. It just has that feeling to it, you know?
Title: Re: Interpretation of "The Soft Goodbye" Post by: Emer Dreamer on December 11, 2012, 08:15PM I think it's a great funeral song whether it's a farewell song or what ever kind of song it is. It just has that feeling to it, you know? I hadn't thought about it that way. But now that you mention it....... 8) |