Don't Pay the Ferryman

Chris de Burgh

About Don't Pay the Ferryman

"Don't Pay the Ferryman" is a single by Chris de Burgh from his 1982 album The Getaway. It became Chris de Burgh's first UK hit single almost eight years into his recording career when it entered the chart on 23 October 1982 and peaked at number 48, staying on the chart for five weeks. In 1983, the single reached number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It was a major hit on the Australian Kent Music Report chart, where it reached the Top 5 and spent 25 weeks in the Top 100. AllMusic critic Sharon Mawer states the song has become "a standard art rock classic" and one of de Burgh's most frequently played songs on radio, despite not reaching the Top 40 on its original UK release. 


Year:
2005
3:26
52 
#1

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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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Chris de Burgh

Chris de Burgh (born Christopher John Davison, 15 October 1948) is an Argentinian born British-Irish singer-songwriter. He is most famous for his 1986 love song "The Lady in Red", which reached number-one in Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. more »

7 fans

Written by: Chris De Burgh

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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.”
Song Concept
The 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.
Commercial Success
It 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.
Lyric Theme
The lyrics of the song are often interpreted as a cautionary tale about not rushing into the unknown without first knowing what's ahead.
Genre
The song is often classified as a mixture of soft rock and pop rock.
Accolade
In 1983, the song was nominated for the Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
Song Length
The original version of the song lasts for about 3 minutes and 46 seconds.
Music Video
The music video for the song portrays de Burgh and his band performing amidst intense, dramatic scenarios that bring the song’s narrative to life.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Don't Pay the Ferryman," including Italian singer Patty Pravo and the Swedish dansband Highlights.
Live Performances
Chris de Burgh often includes "Don't Pay the Ferryman" in his live performances, demonstrating its popularity and ongoing relevance within his discography.
Musical Structure
The song is known for its stirring chorus, punctuated by dramatic keyboard and energetic percussion.
Distinct Element
The 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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    Don't Pay the Ferryman

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #34


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