Durham Town (The Leavin')
Roger Whittaker
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
[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]
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: ROGER WHITTAKER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Singer and Songwriter"Durham Town (The Leavin')" was written and performed by Roger Whittaker, an internationally renowned singer-songwriter best known for his baritone voice.
|
Release and PopularityThe song was released in 1976 and became one of Whittaker's most popular songs, reaching the top 20 in the UK Singles Chart.
|
Song InspirationThe song was inspired by Whittaker's memories of leaving his hometown of Nairobi to study at the University of Durham in England.
|
Chart Success"Durham Town (The Leavin')" reached number 12 in the UK Singles Chart, marking Roger Whittaker's first ever UK top 20 hit.
|
Album's Title TrackThis song was not only a single but also the title track of Roger Whittaker's album which was released in 1976.
|
Song's RelevanceThough it may not have been a number one hit, "Durham Town (The Leavin')" was an essential stepping stone in establishing Whittaker's career in the UK music scene.
|
Song's SignatureWhittaker's rich voice and easy-listening style are recognizable traits of the song, making it a fan favorite even after several decades since its release.
|
Popular Cover VersionThe song has been covered by numerous artists, notable among them is Tony Christie whose version reached no. 39 in the UK Singles Chart in 2009.
|
Song CompositionIt's a ballad features a solo vocal line accompanied by a gentle, melodic instrumental background.
|
Lyrics ThemeThe lyrics of the song reflects the nostalgia and the sadness of leaving home but also the determination and hope driving the protagonist towards a new phase of life.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Durham Town (The Leavin') Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/13106906/Roger+Whittaker/Durham+Town+%28The+Leavin%27%29>.
Discuss the Durham Town (The Leavin') Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In