Northwards

When i had turned just sixteen 

I headed out alone

I'd come in search of someplace 

Where i could call a home 

I took a night boat ferry 

And i headed over sea

I'd never travelled in my life

But a traveller i would be

The ferry docked in England 

And i stepped upon this land 

With nothing but a suitcase 

And a little hope in hand 

I got on board my first train 

And hurtled 'long the track 

My journey heading northwards 

There was no turning back

I made my way through cities 

Saw buildings standing tall 

I read the many slogans 

On the sides of every wall 

The grey became more greener

And i knew that i was here 

The clouds that journeyed with me 

Seemed to fade then disappear 

Arriving there in Yorkshire 

Where my destination ends 

I soon could rest my weary head 

Amongst my new found friends 

They welcomed me as stranger 

Like folks of Yorkshire do

And showed me all its beauty 

In a land forever true 

And living in the rose was where i'd longed for all along 

A place where i was welcome and a land where i belonged 

My heart would take her in...  Just like an old and faithful friend 

And she will stay right there within me till the end 

I walked the dales many times 

I'd climb the highest hills

As smoke poured from the factories 

And red brick dressed the mills 

I'd marvel at her beauty 

And fall in love with her 

The "home" within my thankful heart 

Is how i would refer 

I grew up in her glory 

She'd comfort me at night 

But inside i felt something deep

A feeling i must right

And with her endless blessing 

She showed me i was free

She'd turned a boy into a man

And all he came to be

Many years had passed by

And i packed my bags to leave 

To my rose i'd say goodbye 

Without her i would grieve 

I headed southwards hurting

To my birthplace i'd return 

But never does a day go by

For her i do not yearn 

And living in the rose was where i'd longed for all along 

A place where i was welcomed and a land where i belonged 

My heart would take her with me.... like an old and faithful friend 

And she will stay right here within me till the end...  

She will stay right here within me till the end