Durham Town
Roger Whittaker
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[Chorus] I've got to leave old Durham town, I've got to leave old Durham town. I've got to leave old Durham town, And the leavings gonna get me down. Back in nineteen forty-four, I remember Daddy walking out the door. Mama told me he was going to war, he was leaving, Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me. [Chorus] When I was a boy, I spent my time, Sitting on the banks of the river Tyne. Watching all the ships going down the line, they were leaving, Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me. [Chorus] The last week Mama passed away, Good-bye, son, was all she'd say. There's no cause for me to stay, so I'm leaving, Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving free. [Chorus: x2]
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Written by: ROGER WHITTAKER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
6 facts about this song
Artist Background"Durham Town" was composed and sung by Kenyan-British artist Roger Whittaker, known for his baritone singing voice and finger-style guitar playing.
- Roger Whittaker was born in Nairobi, Kenya on March 22, 1936, but grew up in Skipton, England.
- Whittaker is renowned for his vibrant storytelling through songs, often reflected in hits like "Durham Town (The Leavin')."
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Song CreationRoger Whittaker wrote "Durham Town" after visiting the place during his university years.
- It was written in 1969 and first released in Roger's album "This is... Roger Whittaker."
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Song PerformanceThe original name of the song is "Durham Town (The Leavin')."
- In 1976, the song made it to number 12 in the UK Singles Chart, and in 1973 it reached number 23 in Canada.
- The song was also a hit in the US, securing the number 80 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Song Reception & Legacy"Durham Town" became one of Roger Whittaker's signature pieces, known for its poignant lyrics and compelling narrative.
- It is often included in collections of Whittaker's best work, such as Roger Whittaker - The Very Best of (1981) and Roger Whittaker - The Golden Age of Roger Whittaker (1993).
- Years after its release, "Durham Town" is still loved by many fans, both young and old.
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Song InterpretationThe song portrays nostalgia and a yearning for home, strongly resonating with those who have experienced leaving their hometowns.
- It beautifully captures the ambience of Durham Town, and its lyrics depict the industrial town with profound affection.
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Miscellaneous FactIn an interesting crossover of music and sports, "Durham Town" becomes associated with Durham County Cricket Club and is often played during matches.
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Citation
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"Durham Town Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/154262/Roger+Whittaker/Durham+Town>.
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