Iris Anderson with Maisie Sutherland                            SA1980.05.4

Davie Arthur provided a fine discreet guitar accompaniment to the singing of Iris and her friend Maisie during a relaxed ceilidh at Iris’s home in January 1980.  This song was composed by Pierre Leroyer,  Georges  Petsilas & Hal Shaper in 1969 and popularised by Nana Mouskouri; but for none of these persons could the sentimental lyrics have had the meaning that they would have for the wives and families of fishermen.     Roud Index no. 25910.

I wish that boats were little glasses filled with wine
So I could drink to love with all your friends and mine.
Some day we’ll pull your boat ashore
The day you sail away no more.
      My friend the sea says you’ll be mine
      The day I fill your boat with wine
      And so I dream of what will be
      And I believe my friend the sea

I wish the mountain was smaller than a star
So I could see your boat and know just where you are.
I wish my arms were nets of gold
For you are all I want to hold.
      My friend the sea says you’ll be mine
      The day I fill your boat with wine
      And so I dream of what will be
      And I believe my friend the sea.
      Some day we’ll fill your boat with wine
      My friend, the sea will know you’re mine