[Verse 1] Uncle Patrick wrote when I'd barely turned twenty, He knew how hard things were back home. He sent me money and a ticket to join him, A job was waiting for me across the sea. I'd always dreamed of making a life in Ireland, But now I faced leaving all I'd ever known. America promised me a brighter future, Yet part of my heart would stay at home. [Verse 2] Waiting to board at Liverpool, my heart was heavy. I held my Mary tightly... not wanting to let go. "Wait for me, Mary. I promise I'll send for you." We kissed goodbye as the ship's horn sounded. I turned away, afraid to look behind me. Each step aboard took me further from her. I wondered how I'd face the lonely days ahead, Wishing she was coming with me too. [Chorus] I'm sailing away from all that I love, To a distant land across the sea, Leaving my home and family, And the girl who means the world to me. For a chance of a brighter tomorrow, And a life where Mary can be with me. [Verse 3] The ship rolled and tossed upon the waves. We were cramped below, with barely room to move. The air was stale, and many people were sick. We had to wait for calmer seas to go on deck. I lay awake, thinking of those I'd left behind. The miles between us grew with every passing day. I wondered if I'd made a terrible mistake. I hoped the sunshine would ease my fears. [Verse 4] It felt wonderful on deck, breathing the fresh salt air. Everyone seemed happier out in the open. We sat together, sharing stories of home. Someone brought out an old squeezebox. A familiar tune brought memories flooding back. For a moment I could almost see my Mary. It helped to know that others felt the same. With new friends, the journey felt less lonely. [Chorus] The sea is rough, the waves are high, More than I imagined beneath these skies. But we're all the same, we're all at sea. I've found new friends and their families. We sing old songs and pass the time, Dreaming of the lives we hope to find. [Verse 5] We were almost there. I could see land ahead, A great statue stood there in the harbour. We gathered our belongings, ready to leave. They told us we'd be taken to Ellis Island. I'd come so far, with hopes of a better life. Would America welcome someone like me? They might send me back across the sea. I'd promised Mary we'd be together again. [Verse 6] How many questions did they need to ask? My papers were checked; everything was in order. The officer nodded and waved me through. I'm here at last... there's my Uncle Patrick! He hugged me tight, and I felt such relief. For the first time, I could put my fears aside. Everything around me felt so strange and new, With Mary beside me, it could feel like home. [Chorus 3] We're all ashore, safe and sound, So many questions going round. Our heads are spinning, we're on new ground. Uncle Patrick's here to welcome me. I've crossed the ocean to start anew, One day my Mary will join me too. [Bridge] Almost a year had passed since I arrived. The work was steady, and the pay was good. I wrote to my Mary twice a week, Telling her about my life in New York. I missed her most when the day was done. I'd sit alone and read her letters again. Each payday brought our reunion closer, Soon I'd have enough to bring her here. [Final Verse] At last I'd saved enough to send for my Mary. I bought her a first-class passage, So she wouldn't face the journey I had made. I waited at the dock as passengers came ashore. There she is! My Mary... she runs into my arms. She holds me tight, not wanting to let go. All those lonely nights were finally behind us. With Mary beside me, it felt like home at last. [Final Chorus] I sailed away from all that I loved, To a distant land across the sea. I left my home and family, But kept my promise to the girl I love. We've found our brighter tomorrow, And now my Mary is here with me. An ocean once kept us apart. Now we're home, together at last.
