Meaning of "Fisherman's Blues" by Young Dubliners

The lyrics of "Fisherman's Blues" by Young Dubliners convey a deep desire for liberation and a yearning for a simpler, more authentic way of life. The narrator expresses a longing to leave behind the restrictions and painful memories of the past by immersing themselves in the elemental and wild nature of the sea or the intense, rhythmic journey of a train ride. The imagery of fishing and train travel symbolizes the narrator's quest for freedom, adventure, and a deeper connection to their own emotions and desires. The reference to being loosened from the chains that bind them suggests a profound longing for release from whatever is holding them back, whether it be emotional baggage, societal expectations, or personal limitations. Ultimately, the repeated refrain of having light in their head and being with someone in their arms suggests a yearning for enlightenment and intimacy, and a hope that one day they will find the peace and fulfillment they seek.