Don't Pay the Ferryman
Chris de Burgh
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Don't Pay The Ferryman It was late at night on the open road, Speeding like a man on the run, A lifetime spent preparing for the journey; He is closer now and the search is on, Reading from a map in the mind, Yes there's the ragged hill, And there's the boat on the river. And when the rain came down, He heard a wild dog howl, There were voices in the night, "Don't do it!" Voices out of sight, "Don't do it! Too many men have failed before, Whatever you do, Don't pay the ferryman, Don't even fix a price, Don't pay the ferryman, Until he gets you to the other side" In the rolling mist, then he gets on board, Now there'll be no turning back, Beware that hooded old man at the rudder, And then the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared, And people calling out his name, And dancing bones that jabbered and a-moaned On the water. And then the ferryman said, "There is trouble ahead, So you must pay me now," "Don't do it!" "You must pay me now," "Don't do it!" And still that voice came from beyond, "Whatever you do, Don't pay the ferryman, Don't even fix a price, Don't pay the ferryman, Until he gets you to the other side; Don't pay - the ferryman!"
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12 facts about this song
Background"Don't Pay the Ferryman" is a single by Chris de Burgh from his 1982 album called “The Getaway.”
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Song ConceptThe song references the ancient Greek myth of Charon, the ferryman of Hades who carried souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron to the world of the dead.
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Commercial SuccessIt reached No.34 on the UK Singles Chart, making it one of de Burgh's biggest hits. It also ranked No.1 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart in the United States.
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Lyric ThemeThe lyrics of the song are often interpreted as a cautionary tale about not rushing into the unknown without first knowing what's ahead.
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GenreThe song is often classified as a mixture of soft rock and pop rock.
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AccoladeIn 1983, the song was nominated for the Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
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Song LengthThe original version of the song lasts for about 3 minutes and 46 seconds.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song portrays de Burgh and his band performing amidst intense, dramatic scenarios that bring the song’s narrative to life.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "Don't Pay the Ferryman," including Italian singer Patty Pravo and the Swedish dansband Highlights.
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Live PerformancesChris de Burgh often includes "Don't Pay the Ferryman" in his live performances, demonstrating its popularity and ongoing relevance within his discography.
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Musical StructureThe song is known for its stirring chorus, punctuated by dramatic keyboard and energetic percussion.
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Distinct ElementThe sound of a tolling bell which features throughout the song has become a signature aspect of "Don't Pay the Ferryman."
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Citation
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"Don't Pay the Ferryman Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1535500/Chris+de+Burgh/Don%27t+Pay+the+Ferryman>.
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