Sweet Thames Flow Softly-Lyrics And Chords
Sweet Thames Flow Softly is a beautifully poetic song written by Ewan MacColl in 1960. It tells the story of a love affair that takes place along the River Thames in London. The song blends themes of romance and the passage of time with the changing landscape of the river.
The lyrics follow a romantic journey along the river, filled with imagery of nature and blooming love. As the verses progress, there’s a bittersweet undertone—hinting that the love has been lost or has faded, while the river flows on unchanged. The song uses the Thames as a metaphor for time, life, and the constancy of nature, in contrast to the fleeting nature of human relationships.
Overall, Sweet Thames Flow Softly is both a celebration of love and a reflection on its impermanence, wrapped in the beauty of poetic imagery and melody. It captures the romantic yet melancholic spirit of folk music and remains a favorite for its timeless, lyrical storytelling.
The lyrics follow a romantic journey along the river, filled with imagery of nature and blooming love. As the verses progress, there’s a bittersweet undertone—hinting that the love has been lost or has faded, while the river flows on unchanged. The song uses the Thames as a metaphor for time, life, and the constancy of nature, in contrast to the fleeting nature of human relationships.
Overall, Sweet Thames Flow Softly is both a celebration of love and a reflection on its impermanence, wrapped in the beauty of poetic imagery and melody. It captures the romantic yet melancholic spirit of folk music and remains a favorite for its timeless, lyrical storytelling.
Sweet Thames Flow Softly-Lyrics And Chords by Ewan McColl. Recorded by Christy Moore. Sheet music notes included.
Ewan McColl is as famous in Ireland as he's in Britain, mainly for his songwriting of Dirty Old Town Song and because he was the father of Kirsty McColl.
Ewan McColl is as famous in Ireland as he's in Britain, mainly for his songwriting of Dirty Old Town Song and because he was the father of Kirsty McColl.
[G]I met my girl at [D]Woolwich Pier be[G]neath the [C]big crane [G]standing
And all the love I[D] felt for her it[G] passed all [D]under[G]standing
Took her sailing [C]on the river,[G] flow [D]sweet [G]river [D]flow
[G]London town was [C]mine to give her, [G]sweet [D]Thames flow [C]soft[C]ly
[D]Made the Thames in[D7]to a crown,[C] flow[G] [D]sweet river flow
Made a brooch of [D7]Silver town,[C] sweet [G]Thames flow [D7]soft[G]ly
At London Yard I held her hand, at Blackwell Point I faced her
At the Isle of Dogs I kissed her mouth and tenderly embraced her
Heard the bells of Greenwich ringing, flow sweet river flow
All the time my heart was singing, sweet Thames flow softly
Limehouse Reach I gave her there, flow sweet river flow
As a ribbon for her hair, sweet Thames flow softly
From Putney Bridge to Nine Elms Reach we cheek to cheek were dancing
A necklace made of London Bridge her beauty was enhancing
Kissed her once again at Wapping, flow sweet river flow
After that there was no stopping, sweet Thames flow softly
Gave her Hampton Court to twist, flow sweet river flow
Into a bracelet for her wrist, sweet Thames flow softly
But now, alas, the tide has changed, my love she has gone from me
And winter's frost has touched my heart and put a blight upon me
Creeping fog is on the river, flow sweet river flow
Sun and moon and stars gone with her, sweet Thames flow softly
Swift the Thames runs to the sea, flow sweet river flow
Bearing ships and part of me, sweet Thames flow softly
And all the love I[D] felt for her it[G] passed all [D]under[G]standing
Took her sailing [C]on the river,[G] flow [D]sweet [G]river [D]flow
[G]London town was [C]mine to give her, [G]sweet [D]Thames flow [C]soft[C]ly
[D]Made the Thames in[D7]to a crown,[C] flow[G] [D]sweet river flow
Made a brooch of [D7]Silver town,[C] sweet [G]Thames flow [D7]soft[G]ly
At London Yard I held her hand, at Blackwell Point I faced her
At the Isle of Dogs I kissed her mouth and tenderly embraced her
Heard the bells of Greenwich ringing, flow sweet river flow
All the time my heart was singing, sweet Thames flow softly
Limehouse Reach I gave her there, flow sweet river flow
As a ribbon for her hair, sweet Thames flow softly
From Putney Bridge to Nine Elms Reach we cheek to cheek were dancing
A necklace made of London Bridge her beauty was enhancing
Kissed her once again at Wapping, flow sweet river flow
After that there was no stopping, sweet Thames flow softly
Gave her Hampton Court to twist, flow sweet river flow
Into a bracelet for her wrist, sweet Thames flow softly
But now, alas, the tide has changed, my love she has gone from me
And winter's frost has touched my heart and put a blight upon me
Creeping fog is on the river, flow sweet river flow
Sun and moon and stars gone with her, sweet Thames flow softly
Swift the Thames runs to the sea, flow sweet river flow
Bearing ships and part of me, sweet Thames flow softly
Guitar chords for the key of D
[D]I met my girl at [A]Woolwich Pier be[D]neath the [G]big crane [D]standing
And all the love I[A] felt for her it[D] passed all [A]under[D]standing
Took her sailing [G]on the river,[D] flow [A]sweet [D]river [A]flow
[D]London town was [G]mine to give her, [D]sweet [A]Thames flow [G]soft[G]ly
[A]Made the Thames in[A7]to a crown,[G] flow[D] [A]sweet river flow
Made a brooch of [A7]Silver town,[G] sweet [D]Thames flow [A7]soft[D]ly
[D]I met my girl at [A]Woolwich Pier be[D]neath the [G]big crane [D]standing
And all the love I[A] felt for her it[D] passed all [A]under[D]standing
Took her sailing [G]on the river,[D] flow [A]sweet [D]river [A]flow
[D]London town was [G]mine to give her, [D]sweet [A]Thames flow [G]soft[G]ly
[A]Made the Thames in[A7]to a crown,[G] flow[D] [A]sweet river flow
Made a brooch of [A7]Silver town,[G] sweet [D]Thames flow [A7]soft[D]ly
The song 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of many listeners since its release in 1957. Written by the renowned Irish singer and songwriter Ewan MacColl, the song tells a romantic and nostalgic tale of love and longing set along the banks of the River Thames in London. Although the song may seem simple on the surface, it carries a deeper meaning and significance that has resonated with audiences for decades.
In this thesis, we will explore the origins, lyrics, and impact of 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' and analyze how it has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved and influential piece of music.
The song's origins can be traced back to MacColl's personal experiences and his deep connection to the city of London. Born James Henry Miller in 1915 in Salford, England, MacColl had a troubled childhood, facing poverty and displacement due to his parents' separation. He found solace in music and began writing songs in his teenage years.
In the 1940s, MacColl moved to London and became involved in the city's thriving folk music scene. He was inspired by the city's rich history and its iconic landmarks, especially the River Thames, which runs through the heart of London. The river had been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers, and MacColl was no exception.
The lyrics of 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' paint a vivid picture of the river's beauty and significance. The song's protagonist, a sailor, sings of his love for a woman and his longing to return to her. He describes the river's gentle flow, the sights and sounds he encounters on his journey, and the memories that flood his mind as he travels along the Thames. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of the river and the emotions of the protagonist.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its use of imagery. MacColl's vivid descriptions allow the listener to visualize the scenes he depicts, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. For instance, in the first verse, he sings, 'Where the silvery Thames meanders / And the barges with their cargoes / Lie at anchor in the tide.' This imagery not only paints a picture of the river but also alludes to the industrial and commercial activities that have taken place on its banks for centuries.
Furthermore, the song's chorus, 'Sweet Thames, flow softly, till I end my song / Sweet Thames, flow softly, for I'll be coming home,' captures the essence of the protagonist's longing and adds a melancholic tone to the song. This melancholy is further emphasized by the use of minor chords in the melody, evoking a sense of yearning and wistfulness.
Apart from its beautiful lyrics and imagery, 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' is also significant for its portrayal of love. The song's protagonist is a sailor who has been away from his lover for a long time, and his longing for her is palpable in the lyrics. The song's romantic and nostalgic tone has made it a favorite among couples, and it is often played at weddings and other romantic occasions.
Moreover, the song's portrayal of love is not limited to romantic love. It also celebrates the love between humans and nature, as seen in lines such as 'The old river's heart is still beating' and 'The willow tree's a-sighing.' This theme of love and connection with nature is a recurring one in MacColl's music and reflects his deep appreciation for the natural world.
Over the years, 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' has been covered by numerous artists, including Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, and Christy Moore, among others. Each rendition adds a unique touch to the song, but the core message and emotions remain the same. This is a testament to the song's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with people from different backgrounds and generations.
In conclusion, 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' is a beautiful and timeless song that captures the essence of love, longing, and the city of London. With its vivid imagery, evocative lyrics, and powerful emotions, it has stood the test of time and remains a beloved piece of music. Its influence can still be felt in the folk music scene today, and it continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. Ewan MacColl's masterpiece will undoubtedly continue to flow sweetly for generations to come.
In this thesis, we will explore the origins, lyrics, and impact of 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' and analyze how it has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved and influential piece of music.
The song's origins can be traced back to MacColl's personal experiences and his deep connection to the city of London. Born James Henry Miller in 1915 in Salford, England, MacColl had a troubled childhood, facing poverty and displacement due to his parents' separation. He found solace in music and began writing songs in his teenage years.
In the 1940s, MacColl moved to London and became involved in the city's thriving folk music scene. He was inspired by the city's rich history and its iconic landmarks, especially the River Thames, which runs through the heart of London. The river had been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers, and MacColl was no exception.
The lyrics of 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' paint a vivid picture of the river's beauty and significance. The song's protagonist, a sailor, sings of his love for a woman and his longing to return to her. He describes the river's gentle flow, the sights and sounds he encounters on his journey, and the memories that flood his mind as he travels along the Thames. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of the river and the emotions of the protagonist.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its use of imagery. MacColl's vivid descriptions allow the listener to visualize the scenes he depicts, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. For instance, in the first verse, he sings, 'Where the silvery Thames meanders / And the barges with their cargoes / Lie at anchor in the tide.' This imagery not only paints a picture of the river but also alludes to the industrial and commercial activities that have taken place on its banks for centuries.
Furthermore, the song's chorus, 'Sweet Thames, flow softly, till I end my song / Sweet Thames, flow softly, for I'll be coming home,' captures the essence of the protagonist's longing and adds a melancholic tone to the song. This melancholy is further emphasized by the use of minor chords in the melody, evoking a sense of yearning and wistfulness.
Apart from its beautiful lyrics and imagery, 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' is also significant for its portrayal of love. The song's protagonist is a sailor who has been away from his lover for a long time, and his longing for her is palpable in the lyrics. The song's romantic and nostalgic tone has made it a favorite among couples, and it is often played at weddings and other romantic occasions.
Moreover, the song's portrayal of love is not limited to romantic love. It also celebrates the love between humans and nature, as seen in lines such as 'The old river's heart is still beating' and 'The willow tree's a-sighing.' This theme of love and connection with nature is a recurring one in MacColl's music and reflects his deep appreciation for the natural world.
Over the years, 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' has been covered by numerous artists, including Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, and Christy Moore, among others. Each rendition adds a unique touch to the song, but the core message and emotions remain the same. This is a testament to the song's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with people from different backgrounds and generations.
In conclusion, 'Sweet Thames Flow Softly' is a beautiful and timeless song that captures the essence of love, longing, and the city of London. With its vivid imagery, evocative lyrics, and powerful emotions, it has stood the test of time and remains a beloved piece of music. Its influence can still be felt in the folk music scene today, and it continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. Ewan MacColl's masterpiece will undoubtedly continue to flow sweetly for generations to come.
