Meaning of "Carrickfergus" by Bryan Ferry

The lyrics of "Carrickfergus" by Bryan Ferry reflect themes of longing, distance, and love. The speaker expresses a deep desire to be with their loved one in Carrickfergus, regardless of the challenges and impossibilities that stand in the way. The idea of swimming over the deepest ocean or finding a boatman to carry them signifies the lengths one would go to for love. The references to supporting the loved one with gold and silver underline the sacrifices made for the relationship, while the drunkenness and sickness hint at a life of regret and missed opportunities. Ultimately, the call for young men to lay the speaker down echoes themes of mortality and acceptance of the end. The song conveys a sense of yearning, loss, and the fleeting nature of life, highlighting the bittersweet complexities of love and longing.