The Boatman’s Call

(G. Gothard)

The boatman works alone
It’s the only live he’s ever known
A young man in life alone
Across the river every day
He ferries settlers o’er the rushing cool
Carries merchants through the rapids cruel
Even royals in their crown and jewel
Across the river on his own

CHORUS
Ya - da da da, a young man tall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da
Ya - da da da, the boatman’s call
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da

The young woman lone she goes
Gathering flowers where the river flows
She is lovely as the mountain rose
And she needs passage on her way
She needs crossing late in emerald May
Sitting golden in the creak and sway
Our young boatman gave his heart that day
Across the river going home

CHORUS
Ya - da da da, a young man tall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da
Ya - da da da, for this girl did fall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da

Bridge
Their world was set, planned
Always they would be
They didn’t fret, no
Not like you and me
Their world was small, there
Near the river free
Then came this fine, grand
Tale of he and she

CHORUS
Ya - da da da, this girl did fall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da
Ya - da da da, for the boatman’s call
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da

And now they are not alone
Their lonely life by one has grown
Now they are not alone
They cross the river every day