Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Music and lyrics by Andy Irvine, vocals & arrangement by Farya Faraji.

As far as I understand, this is a song by Irish singer-songwriter Andy Irvine that extrapolates on a lyrical (and perhaps melodic) motif found in prior Irish folk, about a seaman's wife waiting for him at sea. The accompaniement uses the accordion and the seagull merlin.

Lyrics:
If it was not for the ships that do sail that do sail If it was not for the ships that do sail to Liverpool Dublin Lady would not sit upon her wooden stool
If it was not for the ships that do sail
If it was not for the kegs of beer and cattle in the pen If it was not for the ships that do sail to Liverpool Dublin Lady would not miss her seaman now and then
If it was not for the ships that do sail
If it was not for the butter tubs and coal all in the hold If it was not for the ships that do sail to Liverpool Dublin Lady would not have to spend her life at home so cold
If it was not for the ships that do sail
If it was not that the Irish sea was narrow with no reef If it was not for the ships that do sail to Liverpool Dublin Lady would not know how to hide her grief
If it was not for the ships that do sail
If it was not for the ships that do sail that do sail If it was not for the ships that do sail to Liverpool Dublin Lady would not sit upon her wooden stool
If it was not for the ships that do sail