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The Voyage Lyrics

Christy Moore
Music Video

I am a sailor, you're my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail
For the hearts treasure, together we set sail

With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope

Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled waters that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew

Together we're in this relationship
We built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination's not marked on any charts
We're navigating to the shores of the heart

Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled waters that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew

Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled waters that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew

Song Details

Johnny Duhan

🎶 Songwriter: Johnny Duhan - Born in Limerick, Ireland (1950-2024)

📝 Song Brief: The song was offered to Christy Moore which he recorded in 1989 - it went on to become the most popular version of the song.

The song is about 'the voyage' of life. It uses the metaphor of a shared sea journey to describe marriage, partnership, and the building of a family. Through images of storms, calm waters, and a growing “crew,” it celebrates the resilience, patience, and devotion that sustain a lifelong relationship, as depicted by the lyrics - We built it with care to last the whole trip.

🎻 Genre: Folk Song

👥 Covers: Celtic Thunder, Donna Taggart, John McDermott, Lee Matthews.

🎤 Featured Artist: Christy Moore

📀 Album Voyage
Released: 1989
Country: Ireland
Format: CD
Label: WEA

Other Songs featuring Christy Moore on this site:
  • Back Home in Derry — A reflective ballad written by Bobby Sands, telling the story of Irish prisoners transported to Australia and their long struggle for survival and freedom.
  • Ballad Of James Larkin — A tribute to the labour leader James Larkin, recalling his role in the workers’ movement and the social battles that shaped early 20th‑century Ireland.
  • Black Is The Colour — A tender traditional love song, carried by a soft, expressive melody and centred on longing, devotion, and the beauty of a beloved.
  • Lisdoonvarna — A lively, humorous song capturing the energy of the Lisdoonvarna music festival, filled with quick observations and playful storytelling.
  • Only Our Rivers Run Free — A poetic, hopeful ballad expressing longing for change and renewal, framed through images of landscape, division, and the desire for a brighter future.
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