Moorlough Shore
Caroline Lavelle
Longing and Loss on the Moorlough Shore
Caroline Lavelle's rendition of 'Moorlough Shore' is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into themes of longing, love, and loss. The song's narrator expresses a deep yearning for a lost love, someone who has been absent for a significant period. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that remains undiminished despite the passage of time. The narrator's heart still burns with the memory of their lover's touch and gaze, suggesting a love that is both passionate and enduring.
The song also touches on the uncertainty and pain of separation. The narrator is unsure of their lover's fate, pondering whether they have been lost at sea or have found solace in the arms of another. This uncertainty adds a layer of melancholy to the song, as the narrator is left in a state of limbo, waiting and hoping for their lover's return. The mention of waiting for seven long years on the banks of the Moorlough Shore underscores the depth of the narrator's devotion and the passage of time that has done little to diminish their love.
'Moorlough Shore' also reflects on the impact of external forces on personal relationships. The lover's departure is attributed to 'cruelty,' suggesting that their separation was not by choice but rather due to circumstances beyond their control. This adds a sense of tragedy to the song, as the lovers are torn apart by forces they cannot overcome. The imagery of the 'castles grand,' 'foggy hills,' and 'linen waves' evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time and place that is now out of reach, further emphasizing the theme of loss and longing.