The speaker longs to be in Carrickfergus for nights in Ballygrand, wishing to swim across the ocean to find their love. Recognizing their inability to do so, they yearn for a boatsman to ferry them over, reflecting on bittersweet memories of childhood friends and family who have passed away, wishing to return to Carrickfergus before their time runs out.

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Meaning of "Carrickfergus" by Celtic Woman


The lyrics of "Carrickfergus" evoke a sense of longing, nostalgia, and mortality. The speaker's deep yearning to be in Carrickfergus speaks to the universal desire for connection and love, even in the face of obstacles. The reference to childhood days and lost loved ones reflects the inevitable passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The imagery of endless roaming and the soft grass as a bed suggests a sense of peace and acceptance amidst life's transient nature. The final plea for young men to lay the speaker down conveys a resignation to mortality and a desire for a peaceful end. Overall, the lyrics of "Carrickfergus" capture the universal themes of love, loss, longing, and acceptance of one's mortality.